A BALLARAT couple is picking up the pieces of a relationship after years of abuse.
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Ross and Anne have raised high-achieving children, are aged in their 60s and are from a mid-level socioeconomic background.
But behind closed doors, Ross abused Anne for more than half of their 30 years of marriage verbally and emotionally and at times physically, sexually and financially.
Their story shows that family violence doesn’t discriminate by socioeconomic class, age or any other factor.
Ross and Anne, not their real names, have told their story in the hope it will encourage other couples in abusive relationships to seek help.
Ross’ abuse is believed to have started as anger from stress and anxiety through work.
“Initially it was a feeling of resentment. I didn’t feel I was appreciated, listened to and I would interpret things negatively,” he said. “The way I behaved resulted in my partner walking on egg shells waiting for me to explode or react, and it was a revelation to me that I put her in that position.”
Ross is still walking the long road to redemption.
Anne has not forgiven Ross, but a healing process has started.
“It’s an ongoing process, I’d have to say,” Anne said.
“But I love him and I care about him. We made a commitment to each other a long time ago and I have seen him making an effort.”
The inaugural Ballarat Community Health International Conference – Challenging Responses to Family Violence will take place next month and focus on innovation in professional responses to family violence.
The focus of the conference is how to work with the complex effects of family violence on women, men and children, to explore ideas and approaches for preventative work, and to challenge, explore and become innovative in our practice.
For more information regarding the conference, including guest speaker profiles, visit www.bchchallengingresponsesfv.org.au/index.php/#about-contact
david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Ballarat Community Health International Conference 2014 – Challenging Responses to Family Violence
WHERE: Ballarat Lodge
WHEN: November 11 and 14