Survivors of domestic violence in regional Queensland have a new tool to discreetly share personal information, in what's believed to be an Australian-first initiative.
The SAFEcard allows survivors of domestic violence to inform receptionists and practitioners they would prefer to share their private information — name, address and phone number — in writing rather than risk others nearby overhearing their details.
EDON Place, a Bundaberg not-for-profit that provides domestic and family violence support services, launched the initiative yesterday.
"This card gives them the confidence to be able to attend any appointments without the fear of their information being disclosed out loud," the group's community engagement officer Jenae George said.
Ms George said the card was created after domestic violence victim-survivors said they were uncomfortable sharing their details in public.
"We live in communities that are very connected, so sometimes when we have a domestic and family violence person attending an appointment, there may be a connection within that space or that room," she said.
"It's very important for a domestic and family violence victim-survivor to have their privacy, as that obviously keeps them safe within their community."
Ms George said she had heard of domestic violence victims avoiding appointments for fear of details and information making their way back to the perpetrator.
"You're already dealing with a lot of other aspects, so being able to attend a doctor's appointment and feeling safe to do so, it's just something that would be really helpful," she said.
Cards distributed across Bundaberg
CQUniversity researcher Brian Sullivan has worked in support groups and researched domestic violence for 20 years.
Mr Sullivan commended EDON Place for the initiative, which he believed would "make a big difference".
"I certainly know of cases where ex-partners have conscripted other associates to stalk their partners and to find out these details," Mr Sullivan said.
"Anyone could be listening for anyone's address to find out if it's a place they could break and enter, let alone, to track down, find and intimidate a former partner."
He said having a way to keep that personal information confidential added another layer of protection for those experiencing domestic and family violence.
"When a woman is fleeing from a violent partner or ex-partner, she needs to do so privately, confidentially and very, very safely," he said.
"That will mean for many women the details of their new residence, their new phone number etc, has to be very secret for a very good reason."
The cards will be distributed in Bundaberg through police, hospitals, social workers, DV practitioners and other avenues.
EDON Place also plan to work with other community organisations to spread the initiative across the country — a move Mr Sullivan welcomed.
"I think it's got huge merit and huge applicability," Mr Sullivan said.
"I'm sure it could be implemented anywhere, so whoever came up with this idea, good on you and well done."
Domestic violence spiked with COVID-19
According to the Red Heart Memorial Campaign, 500 people have lost their lives to domestic and family violence in Australia in the past five years.
The most recent Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report in 2016 stated that more than 2.2 million people had experienced violence from a partner.
More recently, AIHW studies into domestic violence service responses found women reported that violence had increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zonta Club of Bundaberg president LeAnne Allan said people from across the country needed to rally together to "change the ending for so many women".
"We must all work together to eradicate this scourge," she said.
"I'm a firm believer that in the case of domestic and family violence, we're all touched, we're all in the same position, so let's work together.
"If we can change one woman's life through supporting this initiative, that's fantastic, but if we can change even more, that's the ultimate goal."
