Many women who suffer at the hands of their partner are afraid to come forward.
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That fear is amplified in a small town like Katherine, where it is hard to escape your attacker, even after leaving them.
As we are in the middle of the United Nations’ 16 days of activism against gender violence, Katherine social worker Yasmin Tilmouth thought it was a good time to remind women there is help out there if they need it.
“It is a nation wide issue but in rural and remote towns it is even more complex,” Ms Tilmouth said.
“Katherine is a very tight knit community, so disclosing violence can be a really sensitive issue.
“It is a huge step to come forward and many experience feelings of weakness, shame and guilt. We try to dispel those myths by offering counselling and support,” she said.
Ms Tilmouth is a social worker with the Department of Human Services and is often the first point of contact for people affected by family and domestic violence.
Staff are equipped to identify people at risk and provide them with information, resources and support.
“People often come into the department seeking support. Sometimes we can have five women come in one day,” Ms Tilmouth said.
“We see people from all walks of life, non-Indigenous, Indigenous, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“There is a lot of support here, we do counselling and referrals to help people escape domestic violence,” she said.
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Ms Tilmouth said everyone in the community can play a part in ending domestic violence.
“It is a big thing for women to go forward to the police so if you are a witness to the violence you can back up their statment,” Ms Tilmouth said.
“Being a listening ear as well and asking if everything is okay. They may not disclose to you straight away but if they know you are there and offer support they may come to you later on when they are ready.”
“There have been 75,000 domestic violence cases in the Northern Territory in the past three years. It is a huge issue.”
Confidential support for people people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse is available 24 hours a day. Call 1800 RESPECT.
To speak with a social worker like Yasmin you can visit the Department of Human Services located in the Centrelink building on Second Street.
