Rotary SAFE Families and Inclusive Communities Initiative

Article by PE Dorothy Gilmour, Rotary Hawthorn, Creator/Chair Rotary SAFE Families and Inclusive Communities Initiative

Last Sunday, I was privileged to be invited by Victoria Police to present Rotary Hawthorn and Melbourne's Rotary SAFE Families Inclusive Communities Initiative at the Police/Sikh community event at the Gurdwara Sahib, Hoppers Crossing.

Victoria Police and Rotary SAFE Families are building relationships between the Indian community and Police, to encourage the reporting of crime and particularly family violence (a big under-reported problem within their community) and encourage Police and Protective Service Officer recruiting.

I presented our “3R’s” of primary prevention of family abuse to anyone, anywhere, anytime. The “3R’s” were a hit with both Police and the Indian community.

1. Recognise signs of abuse
2. Raise your concerns “safely”
3. Refer victim to 000 (emergency) or appropriate support organisation or make the call yourself!

We have created resources to provide our many diverse cultures in Australia who have English as their second language, with translated information to help prevent the prolific family abuse that is occurring.

I am very pleased that Victoria Police acknowledge SAFE Families diverse and inclusive approach to prevention of abuse and we are now discussing ways we can work together to reinforce the message that abuse is not appropriate and is a crime.

After the Sikh rituals and Victoria Police and my presentation to 500 plus in the temple, we were provided a beautiful lunch and other tasty treats, visited the huge kitchens where up to 1,000 people come for a meal each Sunday at no cost.

I was made to feel so welcome and I loved every minute of my time spent with the wonderful Police and Sikh community. It was also a lovely reminder of my very special, life changing time spent in India in 2018.

Thank you, Victoria Police, for inviting me to represent our joint SAFE Families model.

We are wanting your Club to identify the culturally diverse Australians in your neighbourhood where English may be a second language.

This Inclusive Communities Initiative mirrors the Rotary focus of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

These resources can be found on our website: www.rotarysafefamilies.org.au

Abuse prevention begins with You and Me!