About us
Aim
The Healthy Relationships Strategy Group formed in October 2017.
We meet monthly to:
- share information across agencies
- identify and discuss emerging trends
- draw on our collective strengths, assets and experiences
- develop and deliver meaningful initiatives to our community.
Members
Our group is represented by organisations working in the family and domestic violence sector, state and federal government agencies and local governments in the Perth South East Metro.
Members of our group include, but are not limited to the following organisations:
Stopping Family Violence
Preventing Violence Against Women (PVAW)
Richmond Wellbeing
Palmerston
Holyoake
Zonta House
Centrecare Perth
Ruah Community Services
Nardine Wimmin's Refuge
Town of Victoria Park
City of Belmont
City of Canning
WA Police Force
Services Australia
Backbone organisation
The Town of Victoria Park is the backbone organisation of our group. The Town provides a meeting venue and administrative support.
Join us
Membership is voluntary and open to all organisations with a genuine interest in the mission and aims of our group. Contact admin@vicpark.wa.gov.au or call 9311 8111 for information on how to become a member.
Information and support
1800 RESPECT
1800 737 732
24 hour support to people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence and abuse. Anyone regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation can use this free, confidential telephone and online counselling service.
Crisis care
9223 1111
After hours information and support to adults and children in crisis and referral to homeless refuges and women’s shelters.
Lifeline
13 11 14
24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention service to anyone experiencing a personal crisis.
Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline
1800 007 339
24 hour helpline that provides counselling, information and advice, referral to local advocacy and support services and liaison with police if necessary and support in escaping situations of family and domestic violence.
Kids Helpline
1800 551 800
24 hour telephone and online counselling service for children and young people aged five to 25 years.
Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline
1800 000 599
24 hour helpline that provides counselling, information and referral to support services for men who have experienced family and domestic violence or who are concerned about their violent or abusive behaviour.
MensLine
1300 789 978
Telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns.
For a comprehensive list of State and national helplines, please visit the State Government’s Family and Domestic Violence Help and Advice page.
25 ways to have a happier, healthier relationship
Use these tips to work towards a happier and healthier relationship:
- Use kind words or gestures to share your appreciation of your partner. A hug or a compliment goes a long way.
- Try putting yourself in your partner’s shoes to have a better idea of how they feel.
- Offer your opinions and share your experiences, but avoid presenting your way as the only way.
- Choose a time and place where you can talk with your loved one about important issues where you won’t be distracted.
- Make a routine – this helps parents and children feel secure and learn structure.
- Children need consistency and boundaries. Without these, they can become confused or misbehave.
- Self-care is important. Don’t forget to take time for yourself as well as others.
- Understand that anger or lashing out can be caused by feelings such as fear, grief, physical or emotional pain. Recognising this can help to protect yourself.
- You are responsible for your words and actions. Take responsibility for how you speak and treat people.
- Keep things equal – each partner should have the same financial rights and freedoms.
- Know your body and the signs of when you’re feeling stressed. Develop techniques to help you relax when this happens.
- Stay grounded by setting yourself some long term goals, these will help during tough times.
- Disagreements do happen from time to time, so try to ‘fight fair’. Avoid criticising, judging or dumping on your partner. Try being constructive instead.
- Listen to your loved ones. Ask them what’s happening in their lives.
- Listening is just as important as talking. You may miss out on learning something important about your loved one.
- In real love you want what is good for the other person.
- Love yourself and make your needs known to each other.
- Give yourself time out to relax and have fun – it will benefit both you and your family.
- Don’t be afraid to take a ‘time out’ if a discussion gets too heated. Try again later with a clear head.
- Compromise is a good thing in healthy relationships provided it is two-way. Try to find a happy medium with your family, friends and workmates.
- Work together as a family to resolve issues, and come up with a second option if your first one doesn’t work out.
- Feeling down at times is normal, don’t blame yourself or ignore it. Allow yourself to be sad, it will pass.
- Allowing yourself some alone time when you need it, and seek support when you need it too. Give yourself time and be kind to yourself.
- What advice would you give to a friend if they were going through a difficult situation? We would treat our friends kindly if they were having a tough time, so don’t forget to be your own best friend.
- Seeking help is a sign of strength. If you feel like you need it consider talking to a counsellor or someone you trust.
This list was prepared by the Healthy Relationships Strategy Group, with tips adapted from Centrecare Inc. 456 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000 Ph: 9325 6644.
If this list has raised any questions or concerns for your wellbeing please call 1800 RESPECT (737 732) or Lifeline 13 11 14.
Download a copy of our hardcopy flyer below:
25 Ways Flyer Page 1
25 Ways Flyer Page 2
Victoria Park Purple Bench
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Purple benches have been appearing in public spaces in Western Australia since 2018. Launched by the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services (WA), purple benches serve to honour victims of domestic homicide.
On 5 August 2020, the Healthy Relationships Strategy Group partnered with the Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services (WA), the Department of Communities (Housing) and the Towns of Victoria Park to launch Town's first purple bench.
The bench is located directly adjacent the Department of Communities (Housing) Victoria Park office, a place where many families escaping domestic violence turn to. It also marks the first ‘bus stop’ purple bench in Western Australia.
Visit the purple bench at 269 Albany Highway, Victoria Park.
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Gender equity with the West Coast Eagles
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Gender inequity is widely recognised as the root cause of violence against women.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women the below video was produced by the West Coast Eagles to raise awareness of gender inequity, with messages developed by the Healthy Relationships Strategy Group.
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