RESPECT AND RECOVER - A

By: Poornima Menon

Domestic and Family violence destroys lives. It slowly yet surely knaws into the self esteem and self worth of an individual, thus reducing them to someone they don’t recognise, acknowledge or like. The victims tend to blame themselves for the abuse and look for flaws within themselves. They begin to doubt their choices and decision making skills as the constant barrage of the garbage thrown at them begins to leave its stench behind. Unfortunately, the fear of stigma and judgment, the fear of how it would affect the children and the fear of how one would cope alone become shackles that slowly start tightening the grip.

It takes immense courage and determination to take that first step, to take that bold step. This step is important and it needs support. The support of our loved ones, support of our trusted ones, support of our cheer leader gang, who will stand by our side no matter what. Knowing that one has that safe circle is a great enabler. The ‘Respect & Recover’ forum organised by The Saree Club on 23 July at the Parramatta City Council Library was attended by over 70 ladies and the main focus was education and building awareness. When we see or hear something, we must do or say something.

Domestic and Family Violence can happen to anybody. When a human being is being physically and / or emotionally subjected to inhumane behaviour, it is no longer a private matter. Everyone deserves ‘Respect’ and if anyone is scarred they deserve that support to get up and ‘Recover’ that respect and put their lives back together.

The panel members from different areas shared their valuable insights into what could be the first steps and what bystanders can do. When a mishap occurs in the community, bystanders have very significant roles to play. The guest speakers on the panel who have done significant community work, shared information that was extremely important for everyone to know. Saree club thanks them for their participation, their time and for sharing some crucial pieces of information.

Mittu Gopalan is a renowned practicing solicitor, with over 25 years of experience in the legal profession. Mittu is the Principal Solicitor and owner of Freedman & Gopalan Solicitors, a legal firm located in Sydney CBD. Freedman & Gopalan Solicitors prides itself in engaging its multicultural team to provide legal services to the community in a caring and respectful manner, with its mission and motive being “People Over Profits”. Mittu and her firm were finalists in the Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards for Boutique Diversity Law Firm, and India Australia Business & Community Awards as Business Woman of the Year in 2016.

Kittu Randhawa is the founder of the