3/12/04
A pilot project tackling domestic violence, previously a taboo issue in Perth's ethnic communities, has highlighted the fact that the problem respects no cultural boundaries.
The project - Preventing Family Disintegration in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities: A Partnership Approach - was conducted by a multicultural women's consortium and funded by the State Government.
In releasing a report of the project, Community Development Minister Sheila McHale said domestic and family violence has been linked to the disintegration of families across all cultural groups.
"Acknowledging family violence in ethnic communities is an important step in itself," Ms McHale said.
"The aim of the pilot project was to raise the profile of the issue within individual communities, to discuss it and ultimately to develop and implement a whole of community approach to prevent family disintegration arising in ethnic communities as a result of this violence."
The Minister said migrant families often faced stress associated with adapting to their new Australian home, new lifestyle and extra burdens on family relationships.
"This project arose in response to increasing concerns expressed by ethnic communities about family violence and disintegration," she said.
"The Multicultural Women's Consortium is to be congratulated for fine work in helping to break down barriers and develop culturally meaningful solutions reinforcing the message that domestic violence is not justified in any culture or religion."
Ms McHale said that with the assistance of bicultural workers, the consortium had consulted different communities to individually tailor strategies encouraging the participation of both men and women.
"As examples, the Ethiopian and Muslim communities conducted forums, focus groups and panel discussions, and in one instance a magazine and radio program were created to address the resulting concerns," she said.
The Multicultural Women's Consortium comprises: the Multicultural Women's Advocacy Service, the West Australian Transcultural Mental Health Centre, the Ethnic Disability Advocacy Centre, Canning Division of General Practice, the Ethiopian Community of WA and the Muslim Women's Support Centre.
The project was funded by the Family and Domestic Violence Unit and the Office of Multicultural Interests with sponsorship by the Women's Health Care Association.
Minister's office: 9213 6900
