Inspiration, Colour, Warmth And Wonderful Food

Victoria Police and Rotary SAFE Families are building relationships between the Indian community and Police, to encourage the reporting of crime and particularly family violence (a big under-reported problem within their community) and encourage the recruitment of Police and Protective Service Officers in their communities.
Last Sunday, I was privileged to be invited by Victoria Police to present our Rotary SAFE Families Inclusive Communities Initiative at a Police/Sikh community event at the Gurdwara Sahib in Hoppers Crossing attended by more than 500 people.
 
I presented our “3R’s” of prevention of family to anyone, anywhere, anytime which were a hit with both the Police and the Indian community. They are:
  1. Recognise signs of abuse
  2. Raise your concerns “safely”
  3. Refer the victim to 000 (emergency) or the appropriate support organisation OR Make the call yourself!
I am stoked that Victoria Police acknowledged the diverse and inclusive approach to prevention of abuse provided by SAFE Families and we are now discussing ways we can work together to reinforce that abuse is not appropriate and it is a crime.
 
After the Sikh rituals, a presentation by Victoria Police, followed by my presentation at the temple, we were  treated to a beautiful lunch and other tasty treats.  This was followed by a visit to the huge kitchens where up to 1,000 people come for a meal each Sunday at no cost.
 
I was made to feel so welcome and I loved every minute of my time spent with the wonderful Police and Sikh community. It was also a lovely reminder of my very special, life-changing time spent in India in 2018.
 
Rotary SAFE Families Inclusive Communities Initiative is a joint partnership between Rotary Hawthorn and Rotary Melbourne. We are asking that your Club identify the Australians in your neighbourhood where English may be their second language. We have the resources to provide our many diverse cultures with the information to prevent the family abuse that is occurring and provide the information around safely reporting this abuse. For further information:  www.rotarysafefamilies.org.au
 
Thank you Victoria Police for inviting me.
 
Author: Dorothy Gilmour, (Hawthorn) SAFE Families
 
Pictured: Dorothy and some of the 25 Victoria Police at the Sikh event – note wearing the orange headwear in respect for Sikh rituals.