I've been spending a lot of unexpected
time working with the local agency here - I'm finding it really
fascinating. I would argue that they aren't functioning within what
I would call a feminist framework, but in reality, I think it's a
difference in context; the women's movement is in a different faze
here than in the States, and so it isn't fair to compare them. The
similarities to the US movement - in terms of the women making the
most difference struggling to include anyone outside of the
mainstream - are uncanny and arguably make a case for human nature
always moving toward survival of the fittest.
Some really positive initiatives here
area twice-weekly exercise class that is held regularly - one
weekday, one weekend. When they have enough staff they do both a
morning and afternoon class. When they don't, they do one day in the
morning and one day in the afternoon. Sounded cheesy at first, but
watching the women (and children!) exercise for an hour and
participating with them seems to build a great sense of community
between residents and between residents and staff as well. When I
talk with a lot of the residents, even those who don't really enjoy
exercise have talked about how they feel better about themselves
after they exercise (don't we all!!!) and they feel like they belong
for that amount of time, even when there are conflicts about the
house (cliques, etc). I had a couple of mothers tell me they felt
like better moms because their young children also got involved and
they feel like their children are learning to be healthy and watching
mom role model that. Plus, a lot of catharsis being reported -
getting out frustrations and negative energy from abuse, stress,
house conflict, rooming with children, etc.
They have also had people come in from
local universities to do special exercise classes with those over 50,
those with disabilities, and those who want specific exercise (yoga,
pilates, tae-bo, etc). I think this is something we could
brainstorm, although staff would have to want to do it :) In the
summer it would be a great activity to get women and kids outside if
they are interested. Let it marinate.
They have also tapped in nationally
along with rape crisis centers to support a movement where women
connect with other survivors via a variety of internet sites that
allow women and men to post about their abuse in whatever form it
took. Most of these sites, as far as I've seen, are geared mostly
toward sexual assault, but still provide an outlet and a removal of
that sense of isolation for women in the dv agency here. We have
often talked at DVIP about how to move forward our technology support
for women - this kind of private-yet-public forum might be a great
way to do this.
Their shelter is smaller than ours
individually, but actually is compiled of various houses and
buildings. They house about 50 people total at any one time. They
do have the luxury of a public administration office, which makes a
few things difficult, but overall makes the entire agency more
accessible and the staff feel it is safer. They do a lot of
screening and training in their public setting to sort through who
will and won't be a good fit.
There is so much, I won't keep on in
this blog. I am really learning a lot and getting a great
perspective on how innovation and community building can come through
really simple means. And seeing that, like all DV agencies, the
agencies here certainly aren't getting the financial support needed.
Too much need, not enough beds or resources.
Updates on Alhena and Australia:
FYI: Goanas (giant Aussie lizards) and
cockroaches run UP when frightened. This includes up a person.
Cockroaches are big and gross, causing people like myself to shriek
and wake up the household, but won't kill you. A goana is the size
of a black lab and has dinosaur claws. These encounters rarely end
well.
Alhena can now say "bird" and
wakes up every morning, turns to the french windows, steps on the
stomach of whichever parent happens to be in her way and calls out
"bird, bird" to let us know it's time to get our lazy
selves up and take her outside for tea, toast, and birdwatching.
Our resident Jackalope (aka, bunny the
size of 5 full-grown Iowa bunnies melded together) indicates a lack
of deadly snakes on property (as, being foreign to Australia, big
scary venomous snakes always win in a giant bunny contest). This
brings me a measure of comfort.
Recently, while at a local hospital,
all of the staff were wearing green lab coats in honor of St. Paddy's
Day. This was surprisingly disconcerting, and caused several small
children to burst into tears. Note to self.
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