Victoria’s first statewide coercive control education campaign, ‘See the Signs’, launched today at Parliament House, backed by victim-survivors and community leaders working to end family violence.
‘See the Signs’ is a new advertising campaign designed to help Victorians spot the signs of coercive control in relationships.
The new Victorian Government campaign, being delivered by Respect Victoria, reflects the government's ongoing commitment to preventing family violence before it starts.
Originally developed in South Australia and now adapted for Victoria, ‘See the Signs’ has been shaped by local victim-survivors on the Victorian Victim Survivors' Advisory Council (VSAC), who have pushed for greater awareness of coercive control since the Council was set up in 2016.
Coercive control is a pattern of controlling behaviours – including financial control, isolation from family and friends, monitoring and emotional manipulation – that can occur without physical violence, but is recognised as one of the strongest predictors of it.
The campaign includes social media videos aimed at younger Victorian, along with other advertising. The campaign will begin on Monday 7 September, running across as digital, street posters and billboards, regional press and more.
Quotes attributable to:
Attorney-General and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Sonya Kilkenny:
“We will always listen to victim-survivors because their voices must be at the heart of our justice system."
“That’s why this campaign is so important, alongside the expert advisory group we are establishing to make sure our reforms are implemented safely and effectively, while continuing the momentum for further reforms in this space.”
Respect Victoria CEO Helen Bolton:
“Coercive control is a form of family violence, and ‘See the Signs’ gives Victorians the words and the confidence to name it and reach out for help.”
Respect Victoria Chair Claudia Fatone:
“Every Victorian deserves relationships built on respect, and this campaign is a vital step in helping our community recognise controlling behaviour from their very first relationships.”
Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council Co-Chair Katie Alexander:
“As a victim-survivor, I know how powerful it is when people can recognise these behaviours early, and this campaign helps put that knowledge directly in the hands of every Victorian, including young people.”
**ENDS**
Media contact: Jane Metlikovec, jane@upstride.com.au, 0409 539 880