The colourful fibreglass elephant, developed in Wodonga by Gateway Health as a response to hidden or shameful issues of family violence, has been on loan to the Campaspe police service area.
But last week in Echuca, the Campaspe Family Violence Action Group launched a roadshow so the Elephant in the Room can be seen by as many people in the community as possible.
CFVAG service system working group chair Danielle Paterson said she hoped the two to three-month roadshow around Campaspe Shire would start the conversation around family violence and bring it to the foreground.
‘‘We are hoping to start conversations because family violence is serious, prevalent and preventable,’’ she said.
‘‘We all have a role to play in preventing family violence, we need to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and roles and strengthen positive, equal and respectful relationships between women, men, boys and girls.’’
The health promotions officer for ERH — a member of CFVAG — said her role involved primary prevention and increasing gender equality to prevent family violence in the first place.
‘‘That’s why the Elephant in the Room is so important,’’ Ms Paterson said.
‘‘It starts a conversation around what violence actually is because it can be so much more than physical. It’s financial, sexual, emotional and other controlling behaviours. It’s all about power and control.’’
CFVAG chair Yvette Jaczina said the community initiative was an opportunity for residents to talk about family violence and increase their awareness of this issue.
Ms Jaczina, who is also the Centre for Non-Violence client services general manager, said a wallet card with service information would accompany the Elephant in the Room.
‘‘CNV is listed on the card as the family violence service provider. We see this as another means to increase awareness of the supports available to women and their children who are victims of family violence in the community,’’ she said.
‘‘There are other service providers also listed. It is really important that any service in Campaspe can provide a safe and supportive first response to victims of family violence.
‘‘CNV works with a large range of service providers to build capacity to respond to family violence and in collaboration around support.’’
Echuca’s Senior Sergeant Mick Carroll said police were also working closely with support agencies to make sure those seeking help received it.
‘‘We hope the roadshow helps to get the message out that help is available to anyone involved in a family violence situation,’’ he said.
‘‘We encourage victims of family violence to contact police and seek help.’’
Snr Sgt Carroll said Campaspe police were proud to be associated with CFVAG, which ‘‘is doing great work in the community’’.
The Elephant in the Room was a project originally developed by a group of women survivors of family violence.
One side of the elephant features images that speak to the damage caused by family violence, while the other side highlights the strength found by women recovering from domestic abuse.
■If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800737732 or you can go to 1800RESPECT.org.au
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