Tackling domestic violence

COUNSELLOR Greg Yee will be the keynote speaker at JewishCare’s White Ribbon Day breakfast next Wednesday.

A renowned authority who works with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence, Yee has 25 years’ experience as a family and individual counsellor, the last 12 running his own practice.

He will share his findings and experiences regarding some common factors that are almost invariably present in the male perpetrators of family violence.

“The White Ribbon Day Men’s Breakfast is an important community event that is helping to raise community awareness about the scourge of domestic violence. We invite all men to attend,” JewishCare CEO Claire Vernon said.

In addition to the breakfast, JewishCare is encouraging rabbis to address the issue of domestic violence during their sermons in the weeks following White Ribbon Day.

“Contrary to some community belief, there is ample evidence that domestic violence exists in all sectors of the Jewish community,” Vernon said.

For over eight years JewishCare’s Domestic Violence (DV) program has provided a range of services to approximately 40 women (and their children) each year.

The team provides support, advocacy, counselling, education, case management and referrals for the victims.

JewishCare has experience in child protection and has ongoing relationships with the Police, Family and Community Services, NSW Health, counsellors/principals in Jewish schools, private and public schools in the eastern suburbs as well as experience in crisis management and community services.

It is also an active member of the Eastern Suburbs Domestic Violence Network and works with the Jewish Alliance Against Family Violence.

JewishCare also co-facilitates “Lovebites”, a school-based program which promotes respectful relationships and raises awareness about domestic and sexual violence.

The breakfast is on November 25, 7.45-9am at JewishCare. RSVP: b.gold@jewishcare.com.au.

GARETH NARUNSKY

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