WA’s first coercive control centre to be established in Perth’s wealthy western suburbs (17 Jan 2023)
In this article a groundbreaking initiative is unveiled, focusing on the establishment of a first-of-its-kind support service for victims of coercive control in Perth's affluent western suburbs. This initiative represents a significant advancement in the battle against a form of domestic violence that is often concealed and difficult to address.
Coercive control encompasses persistent manipulative behaviour, including financial and social isolation, posing unique challenges due to its insidious nature. Dr. Lisha van Reyk, the incoming president of Deserving Better WA, a non-profit organisation, leads this effort to create a specialised hub dedicated to addressing coercive control.
The choice of location in the Curtin electorate is strategic, targeting an area where there's a perceived wealth and where perpetrators often maintain a facade of good character, frequently holding high-profile corporate positions. This environment makes it exceedingly difficult for victims to seek help or leave due to the societal pressures to maintain appearances and the complex web of control woven by their abusers.
Dr. van Reyk highlights the unique challenges faced by victims in these settings, including the difficulty in accessing support services due to financial criteria that do not account for the reality of their controlled access to funds.
The proposed hub by Deserving Better WA aims to offer comprehensive support to victims, including assistance in gaining financial independence, education, counseling, and, in cases where there is a possibility of reform, working with both partners to create a safer home environment.
This initiative comes at a time when the State Government is considering making coercive control a specific crime, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for legal and social frameworks that can effectively address and prevent this form of violence.
Kate Chaney, the MP for Curtin, has expressed her support for the project, acknowledging the significant impact it could have in making a difference for victims of family violence in affluent areas. Her backing underscores the importance of community-based initiatives in complementing legislative efforts to tackle domestic violence in all its forms.
This initiative represents a critical step in the broader fight against domestic violence, emphasising the need for targeted support services that recognise the unique challenges faced by victims of coercive control.
By focusing on early intervention and comprehensive support, Deserving Better WA and its supporters, including Kate Chaney, aim to create a safer environment for victims and challenge the societal norms that allow such abuse to remain hidden.
