‘You are not alone’

Wimmera women and children fleeing domestic-violence situations will receive a pack of essential hygiene products as part of an Isolated, Not Alone campaign to support survivors and their families.

The Body Shop launched the campaign to combat a rise in domestic violence throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Company leaders say many people who are in abusive or violent situations are now more trapped and isolated than ever.

The Body Shop has joined forces with Australia Says NO MORE, a campaign dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action and fuelling change, across the country.

Horsham domestic-violence survivor and anti-violence campaigner Simone O’brien is among Australia Says NO MORE advocates.

“I have a lot to do with the Australia Says NO MORE chief executive, who contacted me about The Body Shop joining forces with them and asked if we had any shelters in Horsham,” she said.

“I explained that we don’t have any shelters as such, but all the services in the region work together as a team.

“I was excited when The Body Shop said they would send us the gift packs anyway, which the services can use to distribute to women and children who have to leave home quickly.

“I am stoked they are involved and have not overlooked us here in Horsham because we are not a major city.

“Unfortunately, Horsham is one of the worst towns for domestic violence in the state.”

Mrs O’brien, who suffered an horrific attack at the hands of her ex-fiancé in 2012, has turned her remarkable journey of recovery into a tool to help others.

She now travels across Australia to share her story, impart knowledge and empower communities to stand up and speak out against domestic violence.

“When you have to flee a violent situation, you leave everything,” she said.

“Whether the police have come or you’ve just run out the door to get help, you don’t think to grab a toothbrush or deodorant or anything.

“Thanks to The Body Shop, we now have 50 packs to give out to women and children who have to leave home with nothing other than the shirts on their backs.

“Waking up in the morning and having a toothbrush to brush your teeth with is the best feeling.

“It means you are loved – that you have support behind you and you are not alone.”

Mrs O’brien, who is also an ambassador for Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence, said the region’s support workers would hand out the packs in appropriate situations.

“Police, the Salvation Army, the Wimmera Sexual Assault and Family Violence Support Centre, health-care groups – you name it, they all work together to help people in abusive situations and they do a wonderful job,” she said.

“They all bounce off each other and work to make a safer place for the community.”

Mrs O’brien said she feared the pandemic was exacerbating sexual and domestic-violence situations in the region.

“My biggest fear has been for the children who see school as a safe place, but have been stuck at home because of restrictions,” she said.

“My message to people of all ages who are suffering is that there is help available. The services are there to help so please don’t be afraid to speak up and say, ‘no more’.”

• People can call Wimmera Sexual Assault and Family Violence Centre for assistance during business hours on 5381 1211, or 24-hour hotline services, 1800 RESPECT – 1800 737 732, or safe steps Family Violence Response Centre, 1800 015 188. Sexual Assault Crisis Line, 1800 806 292, is available from 5pm to 9am. In case of emergency, call triple zero.