News

Ada adds strength to Community Safety Project

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:47:00

Ada Peterson is acutely and personally aware of the toll of family violence, and how tough breaking its inter-generational cycle can be.

As recently-appointed head of a new project targeting domestic violence in north west Victoria’s Koori communities Ada is determined to make things different for the next generation to come.
When Ada talks about breaking the “generations of baggage” that many families carry, she is speaking both as a community worker, and from experience.
“I grew up in that environment – I was basically the head of my own family from the time I was about 12 or so,” Ada said.
“As a young teenager it started to really hit home to me about the environment I was living in, so at 15 I found a job, moved out and started making the changes I needed to make a better life.
I would be the last person to say it is easy – it’s not.  It’s tough.
“This area of work is something I’m really passionate about and it hits home for me, because family violence for many people is a normality – and that’s what we need to change,  baggage and practices from previous generation.”
Ada has recently been appointed to the position of Senior Project Officer for the State Koori Justice Unit funded Community Safety Project through the Mildura Aboriginal Corporation.  The project is aimed at tackling domestic violence in Mildura, Robinvale, Swan Hill and Kerang.
“Almost every file in MAC’s family services area has a history of or is currently dealing with issues related to violence or family violence,” Ada said.
“Family violence rates within our community are up to 40 percent above the State average, and family violence incident reports to police have grown significantly over the last decade.
“That’s not necessarily all bad news though – I think a large part of that rise in reports is the result of women and young people, in particular, who are now  more prepared to say ‘violence is not acceptable’,” Ada said.
“The first awareness campaign that ran in this area targeting domestic violence in Koori families was in 2006 and was a great starting point – it stated that domestic violence was not part of our culture.
“For a lot of people, I think that was a real ‘waking-up point’ – it isn’t our way and it’s not OK.  So our campaign now needs to build on that and find ways to empower, educate and support people in making positive change.”
Ada is a proud Barkindji woman, and says cultural connections remain an important part of supporting family-members to leave domestic violence behind.  I will be the key leader to support men, women and young people to develop non-violent ways to resolve their disputes.
“Re-connecting with culture is a really important aspect of living healthier lives, and helping people make good decisions.
“If your social, emotional and wellbeing needs are met, people feel so much stronger in moving forward with the changes they need to make in their life.
“I live by the motto: ‘Don’t be pushed by your problems, be led by your dreams’ and in relation to domestic violence that’s got to be your focus.”
Ada said the project would include programs to strengthen, educate and support women, early year’s programs for families and men’s behaviour change programs.
“We have to be prepared to mentor and support people and we have to take on the changes we as a community need to prevent violence before it occurs,” she said.
“There is help out there, and MAC is here to provide support.  As Senior Project Officer of this fantastic Koori Community Safety Grant I am excited to be involved because I know that I can help our next generation to realise their aspirations and dreams, and ensure communities understand the impact of violence.”