In this podcast we are joined by Chelsea Tobin, CEO of Safe Steps with a background in psychology commerce strategy and research Chelsea brings extensive knowledge and experience in making communities stronger through the delivery of services that build supportive, resilient, and more inclusive practices within domestic violence difference.
“Access to [our] service can come directly from a victim or a member of the public, their representative family, friends or agencies that are working with them.”
Kim – 3:53
So what are some of the situations that people encounter?
Chelsea – 3:57
My favorite author on this topic, Jess Hill, she calls sort of coercive control, a strategic campaign of abuse held together by fear. And that’s what I see on the phones every day here at safe steps.
It kind of destroys you from the inside like a virus, the type of things if you go out to our call center right now that you will hear, for example, having the debt in her name, but not the associated asset. So she might have the cost of the car insurance but not the car. Begging for petrol money, no credit card or access to money dictating shopping lists and micro reviewing the receipts. Withholding money for basic things like the dentist talking down her family or who she was sending money to overseas and eventually stopping the payments. You know, isolating her from her family and then having the dollars diverted to him eventually. Being excluded from financial decisions or withholding financial information. You know, often it’ll start quite small and there’ll be small incremental steps…
Download transcript here.
Resources
We provide specialist support services for anyone in Victoria who is experiencing or afraid of family violence.
1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.
National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. Their professional financial counsellors offer a free, independent and confidential services.
Call triple zero (000) if the situation is serious and urgent. You should call triple zero (000) if: someone is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help your life or property is being threatened or in danger.
Lifeline 13 11 14, is a National charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. darkest moments alone.
For more helpful advice to protect yourself and your family online, be sure to follow Crime Stoppers Victoria on social media so you don’t miss a beat.
