Edenhope organisations unite to confront domestic violence

A list of organisations have come together in Edenhope, to inform the community about localised domestic violence services and initiatives.  

Grampians Health family violence manager, Marg Murphy, presented alongside representatives from Victoria Police and Women’s Health Grampians at a free community event, staged by West Wimmera Shire Council, on December 1. 

“As a health service, we are accountable to our communities and need to ensure they are informed about what we’re doing in this space,” Ms Murphy said. 

“I see this as a responsibility, but also an opportunity, to make sure everyone knows how to access the right support at the right time.”  

Ms Murphy has an all-encompassing role, ensuring all Grampians Health staff are equipped to understand, prevent and respond to domestic violence. 

“No matter who we are, or what we do in the health service, we all have a responsibility,” she said. 

“Nurses and doctors’ responsibilities are different to a social worker’s responsibility, which is again different to a hotel services assistant’s responsibility – but we all play an essential role. 

“If you see something, you need to do something.”  

Ms Murphy is capitalising on the international ’16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence’ campaign to foster new programs and ideas among campus leaders. 

“It’s a really good time to raise awareness, but we’re working on plans that can be rolled out for long-term change,” she said. “This time is about making a commitment to do something ongoing, in our personal and professional lives.”  

Before Ms Murphy took on her role, 12 months ago, she had some questions for Grampians Health.  

“I wanted to know when and if the funding was going to run out,” she said.  

“It turns out, there is no specific Government funding for a Family Violence Manager – Grampians Health has prioritised this work and prioritised funding for it.  

“That really impressed me and I continue to see how genuine our people's commitment is, to doing all we can to prevent gender-based violence." 

Ms Murphy met with Edenhope’s campus manager, social worker and the HUB team this week. 

“Everywhere I go, there’s commitment there,” she said. “I have a lot of hope for the future.”