So many stories that we haven’t heard and it is in those stories that we find truth - Grace Tame

Why is this film needed?

Family violence is a scourge in our society. While it has become much more well known in the community, due to some horrific examples of extreme violence perpetrated particularly on women and children, it is not as well understood to be a universal problem. There are still many people – women, men and Gender Fluid – who suffer in silence, who believe they are alone and cannot get help.

Family violence can happen to anyone. All you have to do is love the wrong person. Once you open your heart and trust your loved one, you are in their hands. If they choose to abuse or misuse that trust, you may find yourself subject to intimidation, gaslighting, financial, emotional, physical and sexual violence.

It is rare that individuals have the courage or platform to speak up about their experiences. This film will stand up for some of society’s most vulnerable people and will help them take action.

• On average, 1 woman a week in Australia is killed by her intimate partner.
• Approximately 1 in 5 Australian women (18% or 1.7 million) has experienced sexual violence.
• Partner violence often occurs when women are pregnant.
• Intimate partner violence is the greatest health risk factor (greater than smoking, alcohol and obesity) for women in their reproductive years.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience high rates of violence with significant health impacts. An estimated 3 in 5 indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner since age 15.
• Children often see or hear violence between their parents. Family violence is a factor in many child protection cases.
• Many women do not seek help about their experience of violence. Of women who have experienced violence by a current partner:
• Just over half (54% or 149,700) had sought advice or support about the violence they experienced.
• 82% (225,700) had never contacted the police. (Research link)