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On Thursday 5th of June 2014, Monash Interfaith Gathering held a forum on 'Domestic Violence - Silence is not the Answer' at the Clayton Theatrette in Clayton. The forum, chaired by Mr. Shashi Kochhar, aimed to bring awareness about Domestic Violence and how it can affect any member of the community.

The key messages the forum wanted to address were:
•    Raise awareness and increase understanding of domestic violence
•    Promote a message of no tolerance of domestic violence
•    Understand what supports, programs and help can be accessed
•    Reflect on what role faith leaders and every member of the community can play in promoting no tolerance of domestic violence in today’s society.

Those affected by Domestic violence shared their views and stories with the general public in keeping with that central theme: Domestic Violence – Silence is not the Answer.

The forum consisted of two segments: (a) talks by academic, researchers, service providers, victim and support system from the Council and the Victorian Police and (b) an open floor Question & Answer segment.

The speakers and topics were:
•    Dr. Manjula O’Connnor, Centre for International Mental Health, University of Melbourne – Exploring Domestic Violence in Victoria through Community Theatre
•    Ms Sallyann Kempler Team Leader, South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA)- Lets make a difference: Understanding the causes of FV/Impact and how to report FV
•    Ms Sahar Ghaly Mother, Teacher, Public Speaker, Media Advocate  - Through the eyes of a victim and survivor
•    Ms Bronwyn Upston Prevention Practitioner, Monash City Council, Monash Link & Vic Health -  Generating Equality and Respect program
•    Senior Sgt Alasdair Gall Family Violence Advisor Easter Division 1, Victoria Police - The Cycle of Family Violence: The Policing Context

The Mayor of the City of Monash Cr Geoff Lake who attended and addressed the event, launched the Monash Interfaith Gathering ‘Statement of Commitment Against Family Violence’.

The Question & Answer segment that followed was very lively with some members of the audience sharing their personal experiences and journey in dealing with Domestic Violence.

Some of the outcomes from the forum and future directions were:
1.    There is a need to educate the community about this problem which is perpetuated by 1 in 4 males.
2.    Start the process at School level and teach the young that violence in any form especially against women and children is not acceptable.
3.    To explore how multicultural and multifaith societies can and do deal with the issues of domestic violence.
4.    Educate those going into a marriage contract to be more aware of their rights, duties and responsibilities especially those coming into Australia on Spouse visas from different countries and backgrounds.

The attendance was of a cross section of the community including faith leaders, council officials, members of various support networks which signifies that the community does take this problem seriously and is looking for ways and means to support and educate those affected and take action to help  those who are causing this problem. We believe that all those who attended benefited by the talks and the discussions that ensued and will now have the necessary information required to help those in need.

The Monash Interfaith Gathering would like to acknowledge the Monash City Council, staff and the Victorian Multicultural Commission for their support in organizing this forum.