Sydney Community Foundation’s Sydney Women’s Fund hosted a screening of documentary ‘Big Bad Love’ on Thursday 1 June 2017.
Part of our advocacy for women and girls, Sydney Women’s Fund supported the film with funding for its production. An important contribution to the discussion on domestic violence, this documentary raises awareness and provides education for identifying and preventing abusive relationships.
Big Bad Love Trailer (link is external) from Briony Benjamin (link is external) on Vimeo .
Following the film, Lucy Brogden, Commissioner, National Mental Health Commission and Sydney Women’s Fund Patron, led a robust Q&A session with filmmaker, Briony Benjamin, Big Bad Love Director and a panel of industry experts including:
Moo Baulch, CEO, DV NSW
Katie Acheson, CEO, Youth Action
Kristian Reyes, Acting Manager Youth Health Services-Youthblock
Jasmine Scott, Case Worker-The Waranara Centre, Good Shepherd
As highlighted in the film, the Q&A discussion centred around the theme ‘we are all part of the solution’.
Panelists agreed that as a society, education is critical.
What is a ‘healthy relationship’?
Currently gaining momentum in the education arena is better prevention. Part of the model for prevention is not just recognising abusive behavior but developing a better understanding of what is a ‘healthy relationship’?
Last year, prevention of domestic violence was included in the NSW curriculum. A win for campaigners, however, it was highlighted by panelists that little funding exists for its delivery. When asked how can we help, panelists suggested writing a letter to a local member encouraging them to support more funding for teacher training and in-school learning programs.
Prevention also means better understanding the warning signs and patterns of potential abusers outlined in the film by social psychologist and expert in the field of abusive behaviours, Dina McMillan.
“It’s the presence of fear and control that defines an abusive relationship”
Can perpetrators of domestic violence be rehabilitated?
Another solution is rehabilitation for offenders. One such program showing early signs of success was examined in an another film supported by Sydney Community Foundation’s Sydney Women’s Fund ‘Call me Dad’. There are a number of programs available similar to this, however, overall the area is under-researched and more studies are needed.
How can I help a friend who is in an abusive relationship?
While every situation is different, in terms of individual efforts to help a friend or family member currently in an abusive relationship, 1800 RESPECT has qualified counselors that can help with safety planning and finding support for dealing with violence or abuse. Available 24/7, friends and family can also call this number for support and information.If you’re not sure but suspect a friend or family member is involved in an abusive relationship and they are reluctant to confide in you, panelists suggested to let them know you are there for them, whenever they are ready. Call 1800 RESPECT for a private conversation to skill yourself for that moment.
What can I do to help victims of domestic violence in Sydney?
If you would like to support a Sydney Community Foundation’s Sydney Women’s Fund program to help women in abusive relationships, please consider donating to Supporting our Sisters.
Western Sydney has a high immigrant population where at least 37% of residents are born outside of Australia. Many ethnic women in these areas are disadvantaged by isolation – particularly due to domestic violence.
Supporting our Sisters is hoping to reach women and mothers to increase participation, engagement and integration into the Australian society. Supporting our Sisters is run by Shakti International. Please follow the link below to make your secure donation.
A gift of just $10 can help connect an at risk woman and her children to essential services.
Thank you to our special guests
Sydney Community Foundation and Sydney Women’s Fund thank all attendees for their support. We were delighted to welcome to the screening women and girls currently completing some of our funded programs. It is so rewarding that not only are they learning from the programs they are participating in, but we have the opportunity to welcome them to our broader SWF community and they can learn from our other advocacy initiatives.
All funds raised from the film screening ‘Big Bad Love’ documentary will go towards initiatives that fuel Sydney Women’s Fund’s ability to achieve its mission ‘to provide every Sydney woman and girl the opportunity to thrive’.
Catching up with Raise Foundation and Bump Up Program
At the Big Bad Love screening, we caught up with some of the young women from the Bump Up program, run by the Raise Foundation, and funded by the Sydney Community Foundation’s Sydney Women’s Fund. Bump Up is a structured mentoring program combined with small business project training for young pregnant and parenting girls aged under 23. Empowering them to break the cycle of disadvantage and flourish as individuals and responsible parents.
A group of enterprising women from Bump Up joined us to watch Big Bad Love. They were interested in learning from the film, but also to network with filmmaker Briony Benjamin. As participants in the Bump Up program, the young women are about to be subjects of their own documentary that starts filming this week. They agreed to help us out and share their stories as camera practice and as you’ll see they’re naturals!
At the Big Bad Love screening, we caught up with some of the young women from the Bump Up program, run by the Raise Foundation, and funded by the Sydney Community Foundation’s Sydney Women’s Fund. Bump Up is a structured mentoring program combined with small business project training for young pregnant and parenting girls aged under 23. Empowering them to break the cycle of disadvantage and flourish as individuals and responsible parents.
A group of enterprising women from Bump Up joined us to watch Big Bad Love. They were interested in learning from the film, but also to network with filmmaker Briony Benjamin. As participants in the Bump Up program, the young women are about to be subjects of their own documentary that starts filming this week. They agreed to help us out and share their stories as camera practice and as you’ll see they’re naturals!
Hannah & Marian’s Story:
If you’d like to support the Bump Up program, thank you! Please click the link below to make your secure donation.
A gift of just $10 can help support opportunities for women and girls to thrive.
Like to learn more about Sydney Community Foundation?
If you’d like to learn more about the Sydney Community Foundation and Sydney Women’s Fund, please sign up to our newsletter at the top of this page. You’ll receive updates on our latest Sydney place-based programs changing lives, and invitations to join us for upcoming events.
If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support, please call:
- For emergencies phone – Triple Zero (000)
- Speak to a qualified counselor 24/7 – 1800 RESPECT
- Young people aged 5 to 25 can call Kids Helpline ) – 1800 55 1800
Sydney Women’s Fund Sponsor
The SWF 2017 Films for Change Series is supported by
Darlinghurst Theatre Company
