CHETNA: THE POWER OF PERCEPTION
Create an understanding of domestic violence and family abuse in the Indian diaspora families in the ACT hinterland, to enable conscious awareness of its impact, what it is, how to recognise and prevent it, and where to seek help.
The Indian diaspora is diverse and like all other communities faces challenges due to domestic violence and family abuse (DVFA). Chetna recognises varied backgrounds, cultures and experiences that require culturally aligned solutions under Australian human rights. The victims of DVFA could be men, women, children, or the elderly.
‘Chetna’ means consciousness, understanding, intelligence. Pivotal goal of Chetna is about becoming conscious of what is domestic and family violence, how to identify it, and how does it impact individuals and families. It is also about knowing how to prevent it and providing information about resources. Collaborating with leaders, institutions, and other stakeholders, confidentiality is central, guiding all genders and ages to services available in the ACT hinterland.
Chetna envisions an inclusive space where support services, awareness campaigns, and prevention strategies are universally accessible, regardless of cultural heritage. Guided by its comprehensive and culturally attuned approach, Chetna aims to cultivate an environment that comprehends and prevents domestic violence. This endeavor fortifies society against the concealed yet prevailing social issue.
‘Chetna’ is an initiative of the Federation of the Indian Associations of ACT Inc (FINACT). It is implemented by a FINACT subcommittee to address the domestic violence and family abuse in the families of the Indian diaspora in the ACT hinterland.
For further information Contact CHETNA at [email protected]
We Condemn Any Kind of Violence Against Women
Upcoming Event
Past Events
Past Events:
1. Introductory Session on 3 December 2023
Chetna is a FINACT initiative that fosters harmonious families and communities.
Team Chetna organised its first introductory and a successful session on 3 December 2023, from 3.00-5.00pm.
Promoted – Let us talk while we enjoy tea and light refreshments.
Team Chetna
2. Participation in Rally against Violence on 28 April 2024
FINACT has started the CHETNA initiative to tackle domestic violence (DV) and fully supported by SAKHI and entire General Council.
All member organization were represented and took part in the March as one FINACT. Such activities are well steered and supported by our pioneer initiatives SAKHI and CHETNA. Supporters met at Regatta Point in Commonwealth Park at 2pm and marched on Australian Parliament House.
Thanks to Sakhi to take the lead in this much needed Rally as Violence against anyone is NOT acceptable.
Resources
AVAILABLE SERVICES FOR FAMILY/DOMESTIC ABUSE AND TRAUMA
Call 000 in an emergency
If you or someone you know is in danger call the Police on 000. Police in Australia are safe and can be trusted.
National Helplines
For free, confidential counselling and information call
– 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732
– Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114 (24X7)
Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
Connect Women line: 1800 811 811 (24×7)
DV Connect Men line: 1800 600 636 (9 am to 12 midnight, seven days a week.
ACT SERVICES
Reference: Community Services Directorate
- DVCS-DVCS is open 24X7. Call 02 6280 0900, email [email protected] (during business hours) or visit Domestic Violence Crisis Service.
- Victim Support ACT-Victim Support ACT (VSACT) is part of ACT Human right office and supports people who have experienced family violence or sexual assault. You can use VSACT services if you are a victim of crime, a witness, or a family member of a person who has experienced a crime. VSACT can a support you and also will assist you to get connected to other services. Call 02 6205 2222 or free call 1800 8222 72, email [email protected] or visit Victim Support ACT. https://www.hrc.act.gov.au/victim-support
- YWCA -Domestic Violence Support Service: Call 02 6185 2000, email [email protected] or visit the YWCA.
- Counselling: Relationships Australia Canberra and Region-Relationships Australia works with women, men and families impacted by domestic and family violence. Relationships Australia also runs confidential specialist domestic and family violence counselling service for couples and families and programs for women, men and families. Call 1300 364 277 or visit Relationships Australia.
FINACIAL AND LEGAL SUPPORT
- Australian Red Cross-Australian Red Cross provides financial assistance to those on temporary visa and are facing DFV.
- Care Inc-Care can help you in you are experiencing financial hardship, including financial abuse. Call 02 6257 1788, email [email protected] or visit Care Inc.
- Women’s Legal Centre ACT-Call 02 6257 4377 or free call 1800 634 669, fill in the online form or visit Women’s Legal Centre.
- Legal Aid ACT-Call the Family Violence and Personal Protection Unit on 1300 654 314 or the Family Advocacy and Support Service on 02 6243 3411. text Legal Aid on 0427 143 401, email [email protected] or visit Legal Aid.
- Canberra Community Law-Call 02 6218 7900, email [email protected] or visit Canberra Community Law
OTHER SPECIALISED HELP SERVICES
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Headspace: 1800 650 890
QLife: 1800 184 52
WEBSITES FOR SUPPORT & INFORMATION
https://www.1800respect.org.au/violence-and-abuse/domestic-and-family-violence/support
https://www.1800respect.org.au/violence-and-abuse/financial-abuse
https://www.redcross.org.au/migration/family-and-domestic-violence-financial-assistance-program/
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/family-and-domestic-violence
https://www.hrc.act.gov.au/victim-support
https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/talk-someone/advice-line
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