Riverland Domestic
Violence Action
Group

There is a strong and ongoing commitment in the Riverland to address the issue of domestic violence. In 1991, the Riverland Women's Shelter had been operating for five years and the Riverland Women's Health Service had just been established. Workers from these two services helped drive the formation of the Riverland Domestic Violence Action Group (RDVAG) and have been core supporters for the last 15 years. The aims and a draft Constitution for RDVAG were drawn up and it became an incorporated body in 1991. It has met regularly since, with membership mainly from human service agencies, both government and non-Government, but there have been community members on its mailing list as well. RDVAG has directed its efforts at preventing violence in the community as well as improving services and advocating for victims. It sees the value of a network linking local services together to share information and training, as well as promoting community awareness. Some of its work has been supported by the Riverland Health Authority (RHA), now part of Country Health SA. Over the years it has facilitated a number of positive initiatives, including:

  • erection of road signs on the Sturt Highway at each end of the Riverland
  • a training workshop in 1998 for working with domestic violence perpetrators
  • locally designed posters focusing on the impact of domestic violence on children
  • a protocol for General Practitioners, launched in 2000 at an education session with the Riverland Division of General Practice
  • an information brochure for human service providers in the region, supported by training
  • a community media campaign in 2004 "Domestic Violence Hurts Kids Too", funded by Women's Health, Riverland Regional Health Service
  • fliers to all Riverland households for International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women in 2005
  • lobbying for a children's contact service.
The Riverland Violence Intervention Program (VIP) Working Party was set up in 1998 by Comserve Riverland as a specific focus offshoot of RDVAG. Workers from around 10 agencies researched potential funding sources, gathered data and discussed aspects of a suitable integrated service model for the region. The Riverland Cross-Portfolio Group provided funds from the Department of Human Services and other supports for the VIP directions. In 2000, working groups were set up in the following priority areas:
  • Service Information & Training
  • Coordinated Approach to Services
  • Stopping Violence/ Men's Programs
  • Coordinated Criminal Justice Approach
In 2002, a consultant worked with RDVAG members and others to develop an integrated service model for the region which could meet the different needs of victims, perpetrators and children. While no new funds have been available yet for piloting a rural VIP as a satellite to the city-based programs, RDVAG continues to work towards sustainable and coordinated services with the same key elements in the Riverland. There have been exciting advances in recent years with the commencement of perpetrator programs through Community Corrections and the willingness of other agencies to have staff trained as co-facilitators. The appointment of a resident magistrate at Berri also presents new opportunities for stronger working relationships and consistent referrals. RDVAG members hold on to their vision for a Riverland community free of violence!