A CONFRONTING but important project focused on domestic violence is on display at Chisholm TAFE’s campus in Frankston.
The ‘Counting Women’ T-Shirt Project, a student initiated display, displays a T-shirt for each individual woman in Australia murdered by a partner or ex-partner this year.
Each T-shirt lists the woman’s name and details where possible and is accompanied with relevant newspaper articles and a blackboard updated with the current death toll, a shocking 78 so far in 2015.
Chisholm group coordinator of community services Dr Ilsa Evans said the project had been a pivotal assignment for Diploma of Community Services students.
“Highlighting this topical issue is of critical importance to all members of our community and we see family violence not just a personal issue – but a community one,” Dr Evans said.
“We want this project to be an important representation of this serious topic and ensure our community understands the impact it causes”.
The project was started after guest speaker Rosie Batty, Australian of the Year, visited Chisholm TAFE’s Time to Change community forum to discuss family violence.
The students aim to use research from Destroy The Joint, an online community for gender equality in Australia, to maintain the display as an ongoing visual representation of domestic violence.
Last Wednesday (25 November) was White Ribbon Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness to stop men’s violence against women, since more than one woman per week is killed by a current or former partner in Australia.
People are being urged to speak out and report domestic violence to police. See whiteribbon.org.au for details.
Anyone who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault can call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for counselling and help. Call 000 in cases of emergency.