Media Release 12 June 2003

HELPING FAMILIES CHOOSE POSITIVE PATHS

Women's Health West will launch two innovative resources for parents and children dealing with domestic and family violence at 9.30am on Tuesday 17 June 2003 at The Clock Tower, 750 Mt Alexander Road Moonee Ponds.

The Choosing Positive Paths Parents Information Kit is the first ever joint production by Women's Health West and Berry Street Victoria. This comprehensive pack provides information and practical tips for parents concerned about their children who have experienced violence.

"The great thing about the Choosing Positive Paths Kit is that it has involved women who have experienced these issues themselves," says Melissa Afentoulis, Chief Executive Officer of Women's Health West. "It reflects the experiences of women who have left violent partners and are now dealing with the effects of that violence on their children, from those who are just infants, right through to teenagers."

The need for such a resource was identified by the Women's Health West and Berry Street Victoria family and domestic violence services, and confirmed by local and international research. "Parents often request concrete suggestions on how to speak to their children about these issues," says Ms Afentoulis.

"People caring for a child who has witnessed or experienced violence are often very worried about how the experience will affect that child. The effects of violence on a child can depend on a lot of factors, but it can be reassuring for parents to find that there are some common experiences. And there are many things that families - and the professionals who support them - can do to help. The Choosing Positive Paths Kit provides a wealth of suggestions, plus concrete information about where to go for further support."

The Choosing Positive Paths Kit will be launched by a member of the project working group. The kit is a northern and western region collaboration funded by the Supported Accommodation and Assistance Program financed by the Commonwealth and State governments.

Also being launched on 17 June is the Western Region Children's and Family Services Directory, an online resource for families, youth and children across the Western Region.

"Until now, there has never been a single resource which brought together all the Western Region services for families, youth and children who are dealing with issues of violence," says Ms Afentoulis. "This will be an invaluable resource for families. It will also help services working with families and young people to find family and child-friendly services to which they can refer clients." Kids Safe From Violence - West assisted Women's Health West in the development of the directory.

FIND OUT MORE: the Choosing Positive Paths kit is available online

MEDIA CONTACT

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact our Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis or our Communications Officer on 9689 9588 or via email.