Newsletter Issue 22 October 2023
Our news
Welcome to Moss Vale
We take immense pride in our premises, which truly embodies the philosophy and values of Pop In in countless ways. Our space is not only comfortable, safe, and secure but also exudes a wonderfully warm and welcoming atmosphere; the air is always filled with the aroma of fresh flowers and delicious food, creating an environment that truly feels like home.
To meet our long-term needs, Sandra Salteri has made an outstanding contribution by providing us with our new premises in Moss Vale. With the generous support of a local family foundation through a capital grant, we have completed renovating the premises to ensure it perfectly aligns with our requirements. A special thanks to Susie Reynolds for designing and delivering our wonderful new garden providing a place for recreation and reflection. Huge thanks goes to all of our volunteers and supporters who have freely given their time to help nuture these new premises into life, making it fit for purpose for now and into the future.
Our new home, located on Kirkham Road in Moss Vale, offers a range of exceptional amenities. It includes four consulting rooms to provide our clients with private and comfortable spaces, an office for our dedicated caseworkers and administrative staff, a dedicated playspace designed to bring joy and laughter to children, and a safe area specifically tailored for mothers.
Our new premises also features a cosy lounge area, a specious deck for relaxation and socialising, as well as quiet spaces for moments of reflection.
Additionally, we are thrilled to introduce a delightful communal space featuring a fully functinal kitchen. This space will serve as a hub where clients, volunteers, and staff can come together, prepare meals, and foster a strong sense of community.
We have ensured that essential facilities such as a shower and bathroom, stocked with toiletries, a community pantry providing access to donated everyday essential items, and a full laundry are readily available for our clients.
The Pop In home will forever remain the starting point of every one of our client's journeys, and as such, we are thrilled to provide a safe, welcoming, and permanent space for our valued clients. We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to all those who have supported us in this endeavour.
We look forward to welcoming you to our new site soon.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
Our People
Michele Lanigan - Manager Pop In
From Michele, Manager Pop In
Coercive control legislation update
Coercive control has been very much in the eadlines over the past 12 months and has become part of the conversation when we talk about Domestic and Family violence, currently states are responding in different ways. Most Australian states and territories do recognise coercive control as abuse and address it through relevant orders and notices under civil law, there are however changes underway in a number of states as Coercive Control legislation is passed and laws enacted.Unfortunately this is a not a consolidated national response but rather a State by State one including the below.
Queensland
The Queensland Government has proposed new laws regarding Coercive control following recommendation from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce 2022 following the horrific deaths of Hannah Clark and her children. This law will make coercive control a standalone criminal offence in Queensland. The proposed offence would carry a jail term of 14 years. The new law defines coercive control as “the intent to pursue a course of conduct to coerce or control another adult within a domestic relationship, that it is reasonably likely to cause the other person harm. That harm could be physical, emotional, financial, psychological, or mental, whether its temporary or permanent”.
The legislation would also make it an offence for someone to commit domestic abuse on behalf of a perpetrator.
Victoria
In Victoria, coercive, controlling and dominating behaviour is enshrined in the definition of family violence within the Family Violence Protection Act. This means victims of coercive control can seek a family violence intervention order, which, if breached, becomes a criminal offence.
Western Australia
The Western Australian law includes an ability to take out a family violence restraining order which includes behaviour that “coerces or controls” a family member. WA has also concluded a public consultation on potential legislation but have yet to publish outcomes.
South Australia is currently consulting on draft legislation to criminalise coercive control, with an expectation that the final bill will be introduced into Parliament shortly.
Until now Tasmania was the only jurisdiction to have criminalised types of coercive control, having criminalised economic abuse and emotional abuse or intimidation in 2004.
New South Wales
The NSW Government has committed to making coercive control a standalone offence and that law will come into force in July 2024. However, the law is restricted to be defined as between current or former intimate partners.
The NSW Government acknowledges that coercive control can happen in other types of relationships. However, the Government plans to test the legislation in current and former intimate partner relationships first.
That’s because the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team found that in 97% of intimate partner domestic violence homicide cases, the victim has experienced coercive and controlling behaviours before being murdered.
The NSW Government intends to review the legislation from 2026 to consider whether it should be expanded to criminalise coercive control in other types of relationships.
Why it’s important to criminalise coercive control.
First and foremost, criminalising coercive control recognises the devastating impact that such behaviour can have on individuals and families. Coercive control is essentially a form of psychological and emotional abuse that can be just as damaging as physical violence. By criminalising it, we acknowledge that the harm inflicted goes beyond the physical realm and encompasses severe emotional and mental distress.
This legal recognition empowers victims to come forward, seek help, and holds perpetrators accountable for their actions, thereby reinforcing the message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
It also serves as a deterrent against potential abusers. Knowing that their actions could lead to criminal prosecution and penalties, individuals are less likely to engage in coercive control tactics.
This helps prevent the cycle of abuse and can ultimately lead to safer and healthier relationships. By explicitly outlawing such behaviours, it sends a strong signal that we prioritise the protection of emotional and psychological well-being. It’s a crucial step in safeguarding the rights and dignity of individuals, enabling the promotion of healthy relationships, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
And whilst we acknowledge the intent of the NSW Government in creating new legislation to tackle this behaviour it is disappointing that its implementation is delayed to 2024 and it’s inclusions too restrictive.
If you or anyone you know is potentially experiencing coercive control, please contact us on (02) 48721229 or via our website popin.org.au.
Raising Awareness
Community Fundraising
Bowral-based businesswoman, Isabella Loneragan, has teamed-up with a number of businesses in the Southern Highlands region to present a special event in support of Pop In.
When: 12th November, 10.30am
Where: "The Orangerie" Milton Park Hotel and Spa, East Bowral
“I feel obligated yet privileged to be in a position to help such a worthwhile cause as Pop In, and I truly hope the ladies of our local community get behind this fundraiser by purchasing a ticket to attend. All proceeds raised from our Ladies Champagne Brunch will be donated to Pop In" - Ms Loneragan.
Tickets are limited but available from https://events.humanitix.com/champagne-brunch-for-pop-in
Important Information
Our Bowral site is now closed.
Moss Vale will open on or near the 08th December, 2023, but you can still contact us via phone and email:
Get in touch online or by emailing admin@popin.org.au
Phone us on 02 4872 1229
And of course in case of an emergency please dial 000
Follow Pop In on Instagram and Facebook
This service is for women who live in the Wingecarribee LGA. Visitors from other areas will be referred to support closer to home. Women of all ages, ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds are welcome.
A reminder that our direct deposit bank details for donations have now changed. The Bendigo Bank Donations Account for Pop In Southern Highlands Limited details are now:
BSB: 633 000
Account Number: 200 104 925