Caitlyn Morgan
24 Sept 2021
This article was written by Caitlyn Morgan and published by the Sunraysia Daily HERE.
MILDURA'S representatives of the Victorian Youth Parliament became a step closer to having their Bill considered by the State Government.
On Wednesday, the Legislative Council passed the Bill to criminalise coercive control put forward by the six Mildura representatives.
Mildura representative Aimee Ablett said it was "very exciting" to have the Bill passed and the team now looks forward to it being considered by the State Government.
"It was very exciting but it was what we expected as it is such a strong Bill," she said.
Ms Ablett said the decision to push to criminalise coercive control was an issue that each member was passionate about.
"Mildura has the third-highest rate in the state for domestic violence," Ms Ablett said.
"Tasmania has recently passed this Bill, as have other countries."
Representative Conor Pall said he believed current laws were not fair.
"Each of us have a different connection to it and each have a different perspective".
The key components of the Bill are a comprehensive definition of 'coercive control'; criminalisation of the disclosure of personal information; criminalisation of financial control and emotional abuse; and imprisonment of two to six years for abusers.
To gain a better understanding of what local victims go through and the help available, members spoke to The Orange Door and Sunraysia Community Health Services.
"This Bill is about recognising early signs of abuse and that abuse is not just physical," Ms Ablett said.
"Coercive control is a form of domestic violence involving acts that isolate, restrict, humiliate or degrade a person.
"These malicious abusers go beyond physical trauma to ruin lives.
"We need to acknowledge that internal trauma can be just as damaging."
Youth Parliament is a program run by YMCA Youth Services that gives young people a chance to be heard at the highest levels of the Victorian Government. Through this program, young people between the ages of 16 and 25 can share their views on a wide range of issues relevant to their lives.
If this article raised any concerns for you, please contact The Orange Door for support by calling 1800 290 943.
For 24-hour crisis support contact Lifeline on 131 114. For 24-hour counselling service for family and domestic violence or sexual assault please contact 1800RESPECT.
People who need urgent help because of sexual assault, domestic or family violence should call 000.