A lawyer is hoping to break the cycle of isolation for family violence victims in Brimbank.
Family dispute resolution practitioner and lawyer Reeta Verma has been running the Kangna Sisters Indian Women’s Support Network in Cairnlea since 2012.
The Taylors Lakes resident says the group is open to all women despite its name.
“I started off with a focus on Indian families, because they seemed set on hiding domestic violence – they were ashamed and didn’t want to address the problem,” Mrs Verma says.
“That’s no longer the case, and they’re slowly realising there are places to get support. Our arms are open to all.”
Mrs Verma says her group has been working with the police to approach domestic violence in more culturally sensitive ways.
“Sometimes direct police intervention can make it worse, it’s sometimes not appropriate,” she says.
“For example, we tell the police to not knock on the door, but instead arrange to meet with the woman at a separate location.”
The group began with seven women but has grown and now includes men among the dozens of attendees.
“Women began to bring their fathers, father-in-laws, brothers and mothers, and they’ve become an integral part,” Mrs Verma said.
Meetings are held at the Cairnlea Community Hub from 2-4pm every Sunday for the first six weeks of school terms.
For details, phone the Cairnlea Community Hub, Carmody Drive, on 9249 4800.
