Harmony day

AISV discusses preventative and innovative solutions to end domestic violence, writes SIMMI BAKSHI

The issue of domestic violence was put under the community microscope as part of Australia India Society of Victoria’s (AISV) Family Harmony Day celebrations recently. The Eric Raven Reserve in Glen Iris was the chosen venue to host this interactive event. Families were welcome, and despite the serious nature of the main topic, care was taken to entertain the children so that their parents could participate freely. The face painter with pink fairy wings proved popular as she kept the little children occupied.

The chief guest for the afternoon was Kelly O’Dwyer, Liberal Member for the Division of Higgins.

A panel of speakers were appointed by AISV to discuss preventative and innovative solutions to domestic Violence. The speakers contributed their personal, anecdotal and researched observations, and answered questions posed by the audience. The five panelists included, Vijaya Vaidyanath, Yarra City Council’s Chief Executive Officer; Gurpal Singh, Barrister & Solicitor; Jay Manya, Social worker; Nesan Naidoo, Global President at Mars Venus Executive Training, and Preeti Jabbal, Melbourne Coordinator of Indian Link AISV is the winner of the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman, one of the most prestigious awards bestowed by the Government of India to any overseas Indian Association. Since its inception in 1963, AISV has been committed to supporting new migrants and advancing the needs of established Indian Australians. This event formed part of another worthwhile initiative by AISV to seek solutions and address the issue of domestic violence.

The topics that were discussed at length were community engagement in preventing domestic violence, teaching children about healthy relationships, raising awareness of resources available to victims and dealing with the perpetrators. Changing behaviours and attitudes and focusing on what men can do to stop domestic violence formed bulk of the discussion.

Threading the whole session together with confidence was the young and talented Mrinali Raizada as the MC for the afternoon.

Monica Raizada, Vice President of AISV, offered the formal vote of thanks and awarded certificates of appreciation to all the panelists and chief guests. As the afternoon wore on, Metropol catered a delicious lunch for the audience. Towards the end, the Chief Guest Kelly O’Dwyer commended AISV for holding such a thought provoking session on domestic violence and praised the panelists for their valuable input in raising awareness of this social epidemic.