As part of this initiative, we are delighted to share the work that Jess Aulich from Canberra is doing to contribute to the campaign against domestic violence. Jess recently won the ACT Government Audrey Fagan Churchill Fellowship and will visit the Vienna Intervention Centre in Austria, New York City’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence and California’s Partnership to End Domestic Violence to conduct research into domestic violence responses. Jess has been involved in the ACT community sector for a number of years, and currently works at Inanna Inc in Canberra. Congratulations, Jess! We look forward to learning more about your fascinating research! Read what Jess has to say about her plans below!
“For too long, domestic violence has been a hidden issue in Australia, but currently this is beginning to change. Public initiatives such as White Ribbon Day are raising awareness. A Royal Commission into family violence is underway Australian of the year was awarded to a pioneering survivor, and advocates who have worked tirelessly for years are now being invited to contribute to National and State Action plans. This demonstrates a readiness in our community to recognise the importance of the problem. This project examines domestic violence from a variety of perspectives and offers our community an opportunity to draw lessons and improve the outcomes for victims. My fellowship will focus on three models of intervention. The Californian model is centred on police powers, far-reaching laws with specific pre-determined responses. I will investigate the effectiveness of harsh laws with police having primary responsibility for intervention. In Austria, the Protection Against Violence Act covers legal, social and victim support strategies in a unique, holistic, integrated model. And New York City Mayor’s office has introduced a pilot program offering housing to victims. I will research the steps taken to implement a new strategy and evaluation methods. Knowledge gained will be used to advocate for change by informing politicians and lawmakers, connecting with professional networks to strengthen the collective voice, developing training programs for NGOs, and guest speaking. The project has support from both state and federal politicians.”
~ Jess Aulich