whw news

Edition 2 2013

sexual & reproductive health edition

Men and women are still unequal in Australia and this leads to women being mistreatedI would like to help stop this inequality in any way I can. You, Me and Us peer educator read more on page15

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Morgan Cataldo

inside: Abortion law around the country p.10

Anna Vu guides us through the major legislative reforms to abortion

A word from the ceo

elcome to the second edition of WHW News for 2013. This edition focuses on our priority area of sexual and reproductive health a priority that we share with all womens health services across Victoria, allowing the opportunity for collaboration to significantly enhance outcomes for Victorian womens sexual and reproductive health. Health promotion coordinator, Elly Taylor, has set the context on page 2, calling on both the federal and state governments to provide strategic leadership to support integrated prevention, health promotion and clinical work in this area. Health promotion worker, Anna Vu, demonstrates that Womens Health West is more than ready for a broader strategy, when she reports on page 12 about our soon-tobe released regional plan, Action for Equity, developed with the Western Region Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Partnership. On pages 10-11 Anna also features significant changes in womens access to abortion, a key requirement for women to gain control over sexual and reproductive decision-making. Stephanie Rich adds a summary of the outcomes of the sexting inquiry that suggest our presentation and submission reported in edition 2, 2012 was quite influential.

Dr Robyn Gregory

Womens Health West consistently strives to influence legislation and public policy to enhance the health, safety and wellbeing of women and children in the western region. You can read about our latest submissions on page 4. Our ability to influence begins with a skilled board of directors. Deputy chair, Leigh Russell, outlines the skills and knowledge required of a modern-day governance group in her article on page 3. And of course recruiting and retaining skilled staff is key to our effectiveness as an organisation. We introduce two new staff members on page 3, and congratulate Jenny Hickinbotham on her Inspirational Women Award from Hobsons Bay City Council. Womens Health West is proud of all of our staff and their achievements and revels in opportunities to share our work with others. At the recent National Womens Health Conference in Sydney, eight of our staff members collaborated in the presentation of papers and posters to do just that. Vicki Hester, our health promotion worker for women with a disability, reports on the conference on page 5. Vicki also introduces the extension of our Sunrise program into Melton, on page 17, and encourages us to spread the word to women living with a disability to reduce their isolation and provide opportunities for fun and connections with other women.

Improving our work with kids affected by family violence p.8

Introducing child-specific risk assessment

Answering the call for a regional sexual and reproductive health plan p.12
Action for Equity provides tailored strategies to benefit specific population groups

Continued p.2

womens health west equity and justice for women in the west

Continued from p.1

And speaking of fun and connections, our favourite kangaroo, Ruby Roo, joins the childrens counsellors in updating kids and playful adults about their latest visits and groups, in the Ruby Files on pages 6-7. I dont want to give too much away, but Ruby and Gruff have a new friend! Jacky Tucker, our family violence services manager, provides even more information about our family violence service plans and activities with children and adults on pages 8-9, highlighting the importance of partnerships, collaboration and integration across and within sectors to deal effectively with the impact of social problems like family violence. And health promotion worker, Stephanie Rich, provides an excellent case for the use of sex-disaggregated data to ensure a comprehensive gender analysis in planning and policy development, in her article on page 13. Health promotion worker, Melanie Sleap, provides further information on page 15 about You, Me and Us, our respectful relationships education program introduced in the previous edition of WHW news. And Tania Schmakeit from Footprints in Brisbane reminds us of the ongoing benefits of our Power On health and wellbeing program for women who experience mental illness. In reading this article, I was struck by the truly womencentred nature of this program, and the strength that comes from womens support for one another. Finance Officer, Debra Wannan, joins CAS Coordinator Sophie Campbell on page 16, in thanking those of you who donated to Womens Health West in the past three months. We rely on your generosity and good will to provide services and projects above and beyond what is possible from government funding alone. Finally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank the health minister and our colleagues in the Department of Health for their tireless work to avoid planned cuts to our health promotion program in the May state budget. This move allows us to continue the range of programs, including those outlined in our newsletter, that work to achieve excellent outcomes for the health, safety and wellbeing of women and children in the western region of Melbourne.

Sexual and reproductive health edition introduction

Elly Taylor, Health Promotion Coordinator
At the National Womens Health Conference, WHW staff attended Dr Gill Greers keynote presentation, Why would a national sexual and reproductive health strategy make a difference? Dr Greer is the CEO of Volunteer Service Abroad and her recent work includes two major reports on sexual and reproductive health and rights in the Asia-Pacific region. She outlined that the Australian Government is a signatory to international treaties that protect and promote the respect, protection and fulfilment of sexual and reproductive rights for all people. She urged conference delegates to use the treaties and conventions that Australia has ratified as a platform to advocate for action on a national strategy. Dr Greer detailed not only the need for, but the opportunities that would be created by, a national strategy. A national sexual and reproductive health strategy would enable strategic leadership and an integrated prevention, health promotion and clinical framework at a national level. Such a strategy would better support research and accurate data collection, the delivery of essential service provision (including abortion) as well as coordinate comprehensive whole-school sexuality education to enhance respectful, gender equitable and non-violent relationships between young women and men. A national strategy would develop a trained and skilled workforce through standardised professional development structures. It would strengthen action on the social and cultural drivers of sexual and reproductive health. It would ensure health promotion and service response initiatives reach those experiencing the greatest ill health: people living with HIV/AIDS, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people in and coming out of prison, people living with a disability, injecting drug users or refugee communities. Most importantly, a strategic framework aligned with international human rights treaties would ensure that all Australians sexual and reproductive health rights are protected and upheld regardless of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity or ability. WHW strongly supports a national sexual and reproductive health strategy that can in turn inform state strategies. We will continue to advocate the importance of federal and state governments exercising leadership that allows the many services and organisations to achieve better outcomes for all members of our community. This is the sexual and reproductive health edition of whw news and articles that specifically focus on this priority area are marked with this logo:

sexual & reproductive health edition

Editorial Policy: Contributions from readers are welcome. Opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of Womens Health West (WHW). All contributions are the responsibility of the individual authors. The final decision on inclusion lies with WHW and the editor. Content must be in keeping with WHWs vision and goals. Short items are preferred. Email contributions to info@whwest.org.au and include your name, email address and phone number. WHW reserves the right to edit any contribution. Read this edition and archives of WHW News online at www.whwest.org.au/news/newsletter/ Edition 2 published: July 2013 Deadline for edition 3: 9 August 2013

ISSN # 1834-7096 Editor: Nicola Harte Contributors to this edition: Anna Vu, Debra Wannan, Elly Taylor, Jacky Tucker, Jess, Leigh Russell, Melanie Sleap, Nicola Harte, Sally Camilleri, Sophie Campbell, Stephanie, Stephanie Rich, Susan, Robyn Gregory, Ruby Roo, Tania Schmakeit, Veronica Garcia, Vicki Hester, Zoe Photographers: Annie Wormald, Australian Womens Health Conference photographer Fernwood magazine photographer, Stephanie, Meredith OShea, Morgan Cataldo, Nicola Harte Illustrations: Isis & Pluto Design and layout: Susan Miller, millervision@netspace.net.au

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Behind the scenes

Providing effective governance for WHW
Leigh Russell
deputy chair whw board
PhotO: Meredith OShea

WHW Staff
Zoe
Family Violence Outreach Worker

Jess
Family Violence Outreach Worker

Board

performance is widely recognised as one of the critical factors that assists organisations to have an impact and perhaps even more so in the not-for-profit sector, where boards need to be very innovative to make the best use of what are often limited resources.

Making an impact is one of the main reasons to join a board; its the desire to achieve great things by making a positive difference to people and place. Passion is often the starting point. Directors particularly in the not-for-profit space want to make a difference, learn from other professionals and develop leadership skills, and give back to our community. But passion isnt enough! Directors must develop and strengthen skills that are useful to the organisations they serve. I recently completed Australias pre-eminent training for board directors, the Australian Institute of Company Directors course courtesy of a scholarship awarded through the Victorian Womens Governance Scholarship Program an initiative of the Victorian Government in partnership with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the key factors that influence board effectiveness.

I am a freshly graduated social worker; my placements were at Child Protection in Dandenong and Sacred Heart Mission in St Kilda. I am delighted to start my social work career at a feminist organisation like Womens Health West, where I can practice and continue my passion for social justice associated with womens rights and working with women experiencing family violence. I hope to contribute a positive attitude and keep on building on my skills and knowledge.

Just before coming to Womens Health West I was finishing a Master of social work. I worked at On the Line as a counsellor and provided relief and crisis response work at CASA House. I love learning and trying new things. Ive worked in federal government at FaHCSIA in Canberra; in South Australia I was a residential care worker and prior to that Ive done lots of volunteering: Project Respect, Lifeline, Australian Refugee Association, Makikita Quykuway in Peru, International Student Volunteers in Costa Rica and the Australian Health Promotion Association.

awards
Womens Health West wins silver at Australasian Reporting Awards

Board directors must be activist in nature in other words, remain curious. A healthy level of professional scepticism facilitates the type of questioning and impartial conversation that enables more strategic reflection and action around the board table. Along with strategic oversight, board directors must spend sufficient time considering risks and setting the risk appetite for the organisation. A number of factors contribute to any crisis they dont usually happen overnight. Directors need to be mindful of risks and support the CEO and management team to mitigate them by putting effective controls in place. Being a more effective board means ensuring each director is financially literate. While it isnt necessary to have a board comprised solely of accountants (in fact, its not desirable diversity is essential!) it is important that directors have a level of fiscal nous, and understand the financial drivers of the business to ensure they add value to the board conversation.

On

5 June 2013, the Australasian Reporting Awards presented Womens Health West with our first silver award for the 2011/12 annual report. The award is a distinguished achievement in reporting and recognises our commitment to accountability and transparency.

Boards operate in a complex environment and require diverse skills in strategic thinking, leadership, risk management and finance. This focus on board effectiveness is part of WHW boards plan to create a culture of continuous improvement and lead staff to achieve equity and justice for women in the west.

obsons Bay City Council gave 35 local women Inspirational Women Awards on 14 March to celebrate International Womens Day. Jenny Hickinbotham was one of the worthy recipients of the award. Jenny received the award for her work with Household Relief Fund, the charity she started in 2010 to support women and children escaping family violence and others in difficult financial situations. Household Relief Fund supports people by purchasing essential items such as fridges, washing machines, child care fees, car maintenance, beds and mattresses, utility bills, rent and bond, and much more. Jenny has a long association with Womens Health West, initially in her role providing administrative support in our refuge and later as a peer facilitator in the Power On program. We congratulate Jenny for this well deserved achievement.

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PhotO: Fernwood magazine photographer

Inspirational Women Award: Jenny Hickinbotham

submissions
In
February this year Womens Health West made a submission to the senate inquiry into the involuntary or coerced sterilisation of people with disabilities. Forced sterilisation is a violation of human rights but in Victoria individuals seeking the involuntary, nontherapeutic sterilisation of a person with a disability can seek the permission of the Family Court or the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. While the available data is unreliable, there is evidence that forced sterilisations are occurring in Australia and that this concern is particularly relevant for women and girls with an intellectual disability. WHW recommended forced sterilisation be prohibited by law, except in cases where there is serious threat to life or health or where the adult

Advocating for equity and justice for women in the west Towards a more effective and sustainable community services system
service sector reform project aims to improve how government and the community services sector work together to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorians. In February this year Professor Peter Shergold, the independent project leader appointed by the Hon. Mary Wooldridge, Minister for Community Services, released Towards a more effective and sustainable community services system a consultation paper and invited comment from the community sector. WHW argued that, given the history of chronic underfunding of the community services sector, it is highly unlikely that reform will be achieved without additional investment to make the system and capacity changes necessary to support reform. The interim report, Service sector reform: Reflections on the consultations, released in May 2013 identified twenty-two key themes derived from the consultation process. These included

Senate inquiry into involuntary or coerced sterilisation of people with disabilities in Australia
concerned has given their free and informed consent. However we also recognise that this is a complex area of life, resulting from a history of discrimination and violence against women with a disability and that many of these complexities impact greatly on the parents and carers of women with a disability. For this reason, WHW also recommended a number of non-legislative reforms including initiatives to raise awareness of disability and counter negative stereotypes; support for women to manage menstruation; comprehensive programs to support people with a disability, their families and carers; and action on the primary prevention of violence against women with a disability. The Senate Committee is due to report on the inquirys findings on 17 July 2013.

The

Law Reform Committee report on sexting

In

the need for progressive expansion of place-based funding and delivery, providing communities with greater opportunity to tailor services to regional and neighbourhood needs; the need for a greater focus on addressing the underlying causes of disadvantage, with more emphasis on prevention; and acknowledgement of the advantages of differentlysized organisations. While many large community providers enjoy advantages of scale and operate as welladministered businesses, for instance, small, specialised programs delivered at the local level can be more agile and innovative. The report also emphasised examples of good practive in collaboration and innovation, such as the family violence integrated service reform strategy, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive framework for reform to avoid fragmentation. Comment on this interim report is due by 11 June and WHW will engage in this process.

a report tabled in June, the state parliamentary law reform committee incorporated each of Womens Health Wests key recommendations regarding sexting. Our prime concern was the need for tailored legislation against the non-consensual distribution of intimate images. Sexting is defined as the creating, sharing or posting of sexually explicit messages or images via the internet, mobile phones or

other electronic devices by people, especially young people. Given the context of contemporary culture, media and the internet that sexualises young women, sexting is often seen by girls as an obligation and by boys as a right. We applaud the committee for recommending that the non-consensual distribution of intimate images become an offence. The Victorian Government has six months to respond to the committees report.

Kudos!
Planned cuts to health promotion funding overturned

WHW

congratulates the Health Minister David Davis for the decision not to go ahead with planned cuts to integrated health promotion in the May state budget. Integrated Health Promotion includes the community and womens health, family planning, and

family and reproductive rights education programs. Last year these programs experienced cuts of between 5-13% with talk of identical cuts this year. We are delighted that the health minister has recognised the need to fund independent womens health services.

For further information or to read our submissions please visit www.whwest.org.au/news/advocacy/submissions

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Gender Matters: Determining Womens Health

7th Australian Womens Health Conference
Vicki Hester, Sunrise and Power On Project Worker
L-R WHWs own Shifrah Blustein presenting on Our Community, Our Rights; Kimberly Dark, American author, actor and teacher

In May Womens Health West staff attended the Australian Womens Health Conference in Sydney. Elly Taylor kicked off our contribution with a presentation on the social determinants of womens sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing, then later presented a toolkit for working in a feminist organisation with our CEO, Robyn Gregory. The feminist audit is now available on our website and the conference was a great way to let others know about it.
ther presentations included Shifrah Blusteins outline of the human rights project Our Community, Our Rights, and Stephanie Rich focused on our work to support womens civic participation. Shukria Alewi, Ellen Kleimaker, Veronica Garcia and Nicola Harte produced and displayed posters describing the Caught Between Two Cultures project and the Preventing Violence Together regional action plan. Shukria also took the opportunity to offer interstate delegates insights on common misconceptions about the practice of FGM/C. There was a strong Victorian presence at the conference and our network partners gave thought-provoking presentations and very constructive contributions to discussion panels across a range of topics. Our association with these partners at a national event gives collective support to common goals and affirms our capacity for innovation and influence through funding for independent womens health services. Reoccurring themes included:

the value of partnerships as a means of safeguarding funding striving for equity over equality the need to move away from translated to bi-lingual services and education and how to begin dialogues about gender inequity with community members who havent looked through a feminist lens before

and psychological factors. [There] are many factors in womens lives that might put us at risk of depression including poverty, unemployment, sexual violence and relationship factors There are also psychological factors... women are more likely to ruminate then men. This doesnt mean its a [gender-specific] psychological vulnerability, because those researchers have found that women have a lot more to ruminate about. Its not our raging hormones.

Usshers work supports existing therapies that assist some women to avoid the pathologising of mental health distress with non-hormonal origins. Another conference standout was American author, actor and teacher, Kimberly Dark. Darks performance was poignant, candid and at times comic as she covered topics ranging from body image, humanity, discrimination, self esteem and the importance of not being polite.
If you see a woman [whos overweight], its either genetic or shes had a hard life and chosen an addiction that doesnt [muck] up her ability to think!

the importance of strong female representation in organisational decision-making the impact of multilayered marginalisation disadvantage specific to rural areas

Some researchers have looked at whats called the turning on of hormones in puberty to see whether its actually correlated with depression. In fact, when we look at the research, only a very small proportion of variants, four percent, is accounted for by hormones... What does account for womens depression, increasing at puberty, is much more likely to be life events

This year the conference included social media both as a topic and a tool. Dr Jill Tomlinson gave a presentation on the recent social media campaign Destroy the Joint, and our communications manager joined the fray of those tweeting with the hashtag #AWHC much to the delight of associates in Melbourne who couldnt attend the conference. For some of us both younger and older tweeting remains somewhat of an enigma, so we are grateful to colleagues influencing this space.

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PhotOs: Australian Womens Health Conference photographer

While many of the plenary speakers made an impression on our staff feelings were unanimous about particular speakers. Professor Jane Ussher, for example, spoke about using research to inform innovative practice in the area of reproductive health, specifically the social narrative in the western world that over-attributes some aspects of womens mental health to hormones (particularly premenstrual stress and menopause) and ignores research that makes stronger links with womens lived experiences:

The Ruby files

Ruby Roo the Kangaroo, Stephanie, Bronte, Kim Childrens counsellors and group work facilitators

Hi kids (and playful adults)!

SPLASh reunion
It was lovely catching up with all the kids from last years SPLASh group. We went to visit the Melton police station. It was an eye opening experience to know what happens to the criminals at the police station. Police told us that family violence is a serious crime and no one should put up with it. I had my pawprint taken with a high tech camera that shoots out green light. The police also told us that todays technology is so good, if the criminal sneezes at the crime scene they would be able to catch them. We visited the prison cell, got in a police car with the siren on, and checked out an interview room with dolls where kids can tell police if they have been sexually assaulted or experienced family violence.

SPLASh
The SPLASh group is running at Melton again but this time it is for younger kids, aged 6-9 years. Melton City Council and the Education Department co-facilitated with us. We made a banner and some felt, and decorated dolls. The kids in the group are great artists. They were creative and showed us their experiences through the artwork they made.

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Little Picassos
This year we used the big cheque we got from the Commonwealth Bank to start a program called Little Picassos. We employed Kim to help us run it. She is a great storyteller and beautiful singer. We told stories, sang songs and painted. Gruff and I had a great time catching up with some of the kids we know. The next group will be at Womens Health West Crisis Accommodation Service (CAS). Sometimes kids and their mums come to stay at CAS because nowhere else is safe for them. It is a big house with lots of families living together. I am looking forward to meeting those kids and their mums during the school holidays.

Bill Shorten is a member of parliament. He and his wife Chloe came to visit Womens Health West on International Womens Day. Gruff and I did a presentation to tell them what it is like for kids living with family violence to make important changes at parliament house. Bill told me he has two beautiful children who love playing with puppets. Later we received Bill (the bilby) from his children. Bill joined the childrens counselling team and feels quite settled in his new role. He co-facilitated the SPLASh group with me and is doing really well. Big thanks to Bill and Chloes children Clementine (3 years) and Georgette (10 years) who kindly donated our new friend.

Meeting Bill and Chloe Shorten

Counselling homeless children

The lovely people at Council to Homeless Persons make a magazine called Parity and Womens Health Wests childrens counsellors wrote an article for the Finding a Way Out: Women and Children Escaping Domestic Violence and Homelessness edition. The article called Through the eyes of all children is about the child-centred single session counselling method we use so that we can talk to more children who have experienced family violence, including kids who dont have anywhere to live.

If your mum is feeling sad or stressed you could tell her about this great phone number

Me with Gruff and Bill the Bilby, our new friend

Parentline Victoria 13 22 89
8am midnight, 7 days a week
PHOTOS Stephanie

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Family violence service update

Jacky Tucker, Family Violence Services Manager

Changing the way we work with children

In April this year the Department of Human Services (DHS) released Assessing children and young people experiencing family violence: a practice guide for family violence practitioners. The purpose of the guidelines is to strengthen the capacity of family violence practitioners to assess the risks and respond to the needs of children and young people experiencing family violence. One method is to promote a shared practice approach across child protection, family violence and ChildFirst/integrated family services. Womens Health West welcomes the new guidelines our childrens counsellors have long advocated the importance of focusing on the specific needs of children who witness and experience family violence. However, we are also mindful of the workload implications inherent in a shift in practice that doesnt carry additional resources for implementation. While the impact will be relatively small for our intake service, where we already carry out child-specific risk assessment, the changes will vastly increase the case load of our family violence outreach workers. Currently, workers undertake child-specific risk assessment and safety planning in the context of their mothers risk assessment. This includes the development of an individual case plan for a child where we have significant concerns for their welfare. The practice guidelines, however, require case managers to undertake individual comprehensive risk assessments for all children and young people and stipulate that the needs identified through this process should be met through childspecific case plans. Coupled with a nearly 40 per cent increase in police referrals in the past year, Womens Health West will seek additional funds to cope with the increased case load generated by this change in practice. WHW will implement the guidelines once all family violence staff attend the accompanying training. The family violence management team will develop an inclusive and consultative implementation plan that supports our staff to employ the changes. The Western Integrated Family Violence Partnership (providing services to women and children) Operations Group has agreed to explore an integrated approach to this work, including investigating joint training opportunities and the development of consistent practice across the partnership.

Government reform
Womens Health West, like many other community organisations, recently submitted a response to Professor Peter Shergolds discussion paper, Towards a more effective and sustainable community services system. Our response highlighted the success of the integrated family violence reforms introduced in 2005/06. The integrated family violence reforms went beyond the community sector by including:

And a police response that shifted the focus from victim-initiated responses toward police-initiated responses, including referrals to appropriate agencies and provision of intervention orders

A legislative response the Family Violence Protection Act A judicial response the introduction of family violence specialist services at three Magistrates Courts

The integrated family violence reforms were supported by comprehensive state and regional reporting structures that ensure the service response is coordinated, transparent and accountable, and bring the range of agencies required to work together to the one table (including community health, local government, child and family services, police, courts, family violence services, homeless services).

These mechanisms enable and support collaborative practices on the ground. Our submission was able to provide clear examples of integrated practice that demonstrate the multi-agency response needed to overcome major social problems such as family violence; one service system cannot tackle it alone. These examples were clearly appreciated by Professor Shergold, who referred to them in his draft response paper.

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Supporting Integration and Collaborative Practice

Womens Health Wests family violence service is leading the organisation of two forums in June and July.

Womens Health West distributes brokerage funding to agencies across the western metropolitan region on behalf of the Western Integrated Family Violence Partnership to deliver group work for women and children who have experienced family violence. For the past three years WHW has organised a forum for group work providers. Last year the group work forum provided a highly successful opportunity for agencies to showcase their work. This year we will feature different counselling and group work methods including dance and movement, healing stories, music and felting.

DHS provided WHW with a small grant to hold a family violence and homelessness forum for workers across the north and west region. Salvation Army Social Housing Service, Berry Street, Womens Domestic Violence Crisis Service and WHW are collaborating to use this forum to bring family violence and homelessness workers together. Were particularly interested in speaking with workers at intake points to explore ways we can improve access for our respective clients.

As part of our multi-agency service model and to encourage greater integration between our services, the Western Integrated Family Violence Partnership invited MacKillop FamilyServices and InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence to join our operations group; both agencies attended the April meeting.

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ILLUSTRATION Isis & Pluto

Legislating womens bodies: abortion and gender inequity

Anna Vu, Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Worker

A number of important changes concerning abortion are underway around Australia that WHW and our supporters must keep abreast of to ensure womens access to this important health service. Here is an overview of the changes and some examples of what Womens Health West is doing to support women to exercise their reproductive right to safe, legal abortion.

irstly, abortion is on the way to being available to more women that need it, with medical abortion being approved late last year for wider distribution through trained medical practitioners across Australia. Mifepristone (also known as RU486) and misoprostol are the drugs that make up medical abortion and are safe and effective within the first nine weeks of pregnancy. The World Health Organisation has categorised mifepristone and misoprostol as essential medicines and they have been available in some other countries for decades. However, they have had very limited availability in Australia since 2006. This will be the first time that the drugs are available Australia-wide. Despite this progress and the drugs demonstrated safety for use in the first nine weeks of pregnancy, they have only been approved for use in the first seven weeks in Australia. As for many women, seven weeks is still very early and most requests for early termination are made beyond this point, access to the drugs will continue to be restricted. Since this approval for wider distribution, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) has recommended that mifepristone and misoprostol be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This recommendation was made based on an application by Marie Stopes International Australia and supported by WHW and the Western Region Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Partnership that WHW leads. In our submissions to the PBAC, we argued that medical abortion is a safe, effective and non-invasive alternative for early termination that has a success rate of up to 98 per cent. While PBACs recommendation awaits federal government approval, government subsidy of the drugs

through the PBS would mean that the cost of obtaining a medical abortion will be greatly reduced. WHW expects that equity in terms of abortion service delivery will be improved, particularly for women living in regional, rural and remote areas. More of these women would have timely access to affordable services. Wider use of the drugs could also offer public hospitals greater opportunity and flexibility in the provision of early pregnancy termination services. As medical abortion is only available in the first seven weeks of pregnancy, clinical abortion services are an ongoing necessity. WHW has continued to prioritise access to abortion in the western region as one of the actions in Action for Equity, our regional sexual and reproductive health plan. While the availability of medical abortion is applicable to women across Australia, laws regarding abortion vary from state to state. Tasmania is in the process making significant changes in relation to abortion legislation, just as Victoria did in 2008. The Tasmanian process is similar to what happened in Victoria: a bill was introduced to Parliament to remove abortion from the criminal code and make the procedure legal up to 16 weeks gestation. Under the proposed law, a woman requesting an abortion after 16 weeks must have agreement from two doctors. In Victoria, similar rules apply but the gestation limit is 24 weeks. Of note, the draft Tasmanian legislation includes a proposal for access zones meaning that there would be a ban on protesting against abortion within 150 metres of an abortion clinic. The access zone clause does not feature in the Victorian Abortion Law Reform Act and protesting continues to be a problem in this state. Women attending abortion clinics are often subject to

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sexual & reproductive health edition

harassment and intimidating behaviour that obstructs access to clinics through fear, intimidation and the circulation of misleading and incorrect information as women enter a clinic. The legal remedies available in Victoria to restrict this activity are limited. Incorporating access zones into the draft Reproductive Health (Access to Terminations) Bill is an excellent way of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both staff and patients. The Lower House has passed the bill to remove abortion from the Tasmanian criminal code and it is now before the Upper House. The final major proposed change to abortion in Australia is a bill currently before the federal government. This bill seeks to prohibit the use of Medicare funding for abortion carried out for purposes of sex selection. The rationale behind the referral of the bill is concern that while evidence shows the termination of large numbers of pregnancies in countries such as China and India due to families preferring boy children, this practice must be prohibited in Australia. WHW made a submission challenging this assumption to a Senate Inquiry on the bill in support of our sister organisation, Womens Health Victoria. While we oppose sex selective abortion due to the deeply entrenched gender inequality it reflects, we do not believe that placing restrictions on womens access to abortion is the most appropriate way of redressing such inequality. The efforts of countries that have tried to prohibit sex-selective abortions have been unsuccessful. Given the nature of this problem, if implemented in Australia there is potential to discriminate against certain groups of women. Above all, there is no comprehensive evidence to suggest that sex selective abortion is even occurring in Australia, or that Medicare is used to

fund such procedures. Australias ratio of male to female births is entirely normal. We believe that restricting abortion services for purposes of sex selection has the potential to compromise womens access to abortion, which is a vital health service for women in Australia and an important sexual and reproductive health right. While some of the changes outlined above show positive steps along the road to women in Australia exercising their reproductive rights and choice, there are also signs that womens

ability to control their own bodies remains under threat. WHW have long advocated that the Victorian government develop a sexual and reproductive health strategy. Under such a strategy, we would like a strong commitment to the promotion and protection of womens sexual and reproductive rights through legislation and public policy.

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ILLUSTRATION Isis & Pluto

sexual & reproductive health edition

Regional sexual and reproductive health plan

Anna Vu, Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Worker

Womens Health West is gearing up to release Action for Equity: A Sexual and Reproductive Health Plan for Melbournes West 2013-2017, developed for the Western Region Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Partnership.
his plan is unique to Victoria as it has a clear focus on preventing sexual and reproductive ill health before it occurs. It is the result of a four year process involving a range of partner agencies from across the western region. Actions in the plan are based on the Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion Framework, developed by Womens Health West in 2011. This framework clearly articulates the social and cultural factors that influence sexual and reproductive health at a population level the social determinants of health. We designed the plan to fill gaps in sexual and reproductive health promotion practice in the region as identified in a mapping and needs analysis in 2009 and 2010. Action for Equity takes a broad look at sexual and reproductive health, beyond the prevention of sexually transmissible infection and teenage pregnancy. The plans vision is a community where everyone has the:

program delivery and coordination, research, monitoring and evaluation, and communication and social marketing. A key feature of the plan is our commitment to improving the regions capacity to implement high quality sexual and reproductive health initiatives. It recognises that to impact on the structural and societal factors that influence sexual and reproductive health we have to engage with other sectors as well as the health sector. This includes communicating their role in sexual and reproductive health promotion to increase effective collaboration. The partnership has also committed to developing and delivering workforce development training in sexual and reproductive health promotion to equip organisations in the region with the skills necessary to design and implement effective interventions. This training will be available to organisations in the west that have an interest in delivering sexual and reproductive health promotion initiatives. In its development, Action for Equity has undergone a rigorous partner engagement and consultation process, with more than thirty organisations either contributing to the plans development or providing feedback on the draft plan. If you would like your organisation to be involved in the implementation of this four year plan, please contact Anna Vu: anna@whwest.org.au or 9689 9588.

control over sexual and reproductive health decision-making free from violence and discrimination.

The plan sets out an overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health for all people in Melbournes west by focusing on achieving sexual and reproductive health equity. There are a number of strategies that are designed to be of benefit to specific population groups in recognition that needs differ across the community, and strategies must be tailored to specific needs. The plan has a mix of strategies, some aimed at working closely with communities to equip them with information that supports healthy decision-making, and others designed to work on the structural barriers that prevent good sexual and reproductive health. Actions are grouped under the headings of advocacy, policy and legislative reform, sector and workforce development, community education and capacity building, service and

freedom to express their sexuality right to a healthy, respectful relationship and pleasurable sex life with the partner of their choice

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New! Womens Health West

Stephanie Rich, Health Promotion Worker

The continuing unequal status of women in our society causes many women to experience significant disadvantage resulting in real and profound impacts on womens safety, health and wellbeing. An important way to improve outcomes for women involves recognising and responding to women and mens different needs and experiences, particularly when planning services and programs.
gender-sensitive approach to policies, programs and services requires an understanding of the barriers women face. Statistical data on the demographic and socio-economic profile of women in the west and their health status is therefore invaluable to Womens Health West and other organisations in the region. With this in mind, in 2009 WHW produced a data book of statistical information about the social profile and health status of women in Melbournes West.

Data Book
settlement data from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. In addition to statistical information, this edition includes qualitative data in the form of quotes from clients and program participants at Womens Health West. We hope that their insight will help readers understand how social determinants impact on the everyday lives of women in the west.

disaggregated data should also be of interest to local journalists, policy makers, service providers and community groups in the west. At present, it is not common for many local governments and community health services to include sexdisaggregated data in community profiles and reports. Yet the importance of using sex-disaggregated data cannot be overstated; it is a key component of gender analysis.

Preview of key findings

Some preliminary points of interest include:

37 per cent of female residents in the western region of Melbourne were born overseas. This is notably higher than for Victoria (26.4 per cent) 17.8 per cent of women in the western region who speak a language other than English reported speaking English not well or not at all (compared to 13.2 per cent of men) Women reported a lower individual weekly income than their male counterparts across the western region Less than half of the women in the north west metropolitan region report feeling safe when walking alone at night (48.8 per cent of women compared to 79.3 per cent of men)

The 2013 Womens Health West data book

The release of the 2011 Census data last year prompted Womens Health West to revise and produce a new edition of the WHW data book. This new resource, Women in Melbournes West: Sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis for service and program planning, is due for release in June 2013. The new data book is designed to support a gender-sensitive approach to regional health and wellbeing planning. In particular, it is intended to support local councils and community health agencies to undertake service and program planning that is responsive to the different needs, opportunities and experiences of women and men. The gender analysis and sex-

New features
This new edition presents sexdisaggregated data and gender analysis on twelve social determinants of health. That is, we look at some of the social structures that influence the health and wellbeing of women and men. Some of these determinants include education, housing, disability, employment, public transport and ethnicity. We also provide specific data on three major health priorities for women in the western region: sexual and reproductive health, prevention of violence against women, and mental health and social connectedness. The statistical information comes from reputable sources such as the 2011 ABS Census, Community Indicators Victoria, Victorian Cervical Cytology Registry, and

We hope you find the new edition of the WHW data book useful in supporting you in planning and delivering services that are responsive to the women and men in your community. You can find the data book online at www.whwest.org.au/resources

Across the western region, women report a lower individual weekly income than their male counterparts. Given the proportions of women who report low individual weekly incomes in the west, it is imperative that we develop and implement strategies that strengthen womens access to education, employment and higher income opportunities within their respective municipalities.

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ILLUSTRATION Isis & Pluto

Power On
Tania Schmakeit, Footprints and Sally Camilleri, WHW Health Promotion Coordinator
he twelve-week Power On experience supports women who have experienced mental illness to celebrate their strengths while acknowledging the every day challenges they share by gently introducing and reflecting on feminist perspectives. Power On asks women to think about themselves in a positive way. Women are invited to examine and unpack their self-esteem, assertiveness, body image, access to information, communicating with their health professional, menopause and their menstrual cycle, nutrition and healthy weight, positive thinking, exercise and wellbeing, and relationships. Participants describe Power On as exciting, fun and physically lively with music, movement and inclusive games. There is often much laughter while the group reflects on the issues women share. One significant difference between Power On and other womens selfesteem programs is the rich empathy and understanding the peer facilitator brings to her role as a woman who has experienced mental health distress herself. Power On emphasises womens position as experts in their own lives and the facilitators role is primarily to focus on creating a safe space for women to

The

experience
and of locating a local swimming pool for a paddle. Spurred on by inclusive group energy and supported through learned knowledge about the benefits of exercise to enhance their health and wellbeing, participants generated ideas about how to become more active and feel better about themselves. Power On programs have run continuously in Brisbane since 2011. Its very well received; follow up conversations after 3-6 months consistently yield reports of positive self-esteem and lifestyle changes. Most notably, women talk about being okay as I am right now, a statement that shows relief from perceived pressures to be different or better. One woman said she realised that:
My wellbeing is quite simple and its about having the time and space to remember those things that I already know, that keep me well.[like] eating properly, exercising, getting enough sleep, having time out and having fun Power On reminds us of that!

Regular readers will know that Womens Health West designed and established the Power On program to assist mental health services to enhance the wellbeing of women who experience mental illness. Our project worker recently provided facilitator training to staff at Footprints in Brisbane and the Family Services Group on the Gold Coast. The following article is by Tania Schmakeit who works for Footprints and is a great champion of Power On in that state.

recognise their own competencies and remember the simple things they can do to enhance their own wellbeing. The peer facilitator models her wellbeing by sharing and inviting women to share their own tips about self-care, thereby promoting the expertise of each participant. There is a collective understanding that someone within the group will know the answer to questions that arise and this approach reinforces womens personal competency and demonstrates a social model of mental health wellbeing. We cover topics in a lighthearted way and participants are encouraged to apply the information to their personal situation and report to the group over the course of twelve weekly gatherings. Womens personal stories and attempts to make positive changes in their life are met with group validation, encouragement and enthusiasm. For example, following the exercise and wellbeing session, a Power On participant spoke of her experiences in trying out bike riding again after a break of many years and shared her adventure of hiring a council bike to ride along the riverside. Other women then shared tales of recommencing walking exercise

Power On offers an opportunity and space for women to feel safe and supported to remember and practice these things.

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Melanie Sleap, Health Promotion Worker

Womens Health West is funded to implement a respectful relationships education program called You, Me and Us by the Federal Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
s part of the program we train 18 to 24 year old culturally and linguistically diverse young women as peer educators to codeliver education sessions to 10 to 13 year olds and 18 to 24 year olds in schools, sporting clubs, youth organisations, universities and TAFE. Peer education is an important component of the You, Me and Us project. Research shows that young people are more likely to hear respectful relationships messages when delivered by someone of a similar age. Peer educators provide role models for other young people and build young peoples participation and leadership in their community. Research also indicates that young people are less likely to contact services or official channels about a violent experience; they are more likely to confide in a friend or peer. We recently trained 18 young women to become You, Me and Us peer educators. The intensive program, delivered over four half days, included practical training on public speaking, facilitation, leadership, peer education and how to respond to disclosures, as well as information and discussion about violence against women, primary prevention, respectful relationships, intimate partner violence and gender equity. Many peer educators joined the program because they want to make a difference in the lives of girls and women:
The thing that interested me about the You, Me and Us program was the fact that I would be able to make a huge difference in my community and have an impact in peoples lives just by informing them about healthy relationships.

I think that men and women are still unequal in Australia (though I think a lot of people would disagree) and this leads to women being mistreated and robbed of voice. I would like to help stop this inequality in any way I can.

After the training peer educators said they enjoyed the opportunity to discuss these sensitive topics in a safe and open space and they expect the training to be incredibly useful when they come to co-deliver respectful relationships education sessions. Peer educator support and training continues with monthly network meetings and planning has already begun for two more peer educator training sessions in July. We are now in the initial stages of respectful relationships session delivery; approximately 900 upper primary school participants will attend sessions over May and June. We will continue to deliver these sessions until May 2014 in schools, sports clubs, youth organisations, universities and TAFE. You, Me and Us also offers professional development for adults from participating settings to advocate, support, respond and take ongoing action to develop and maintain respectful relationships within their workplace. We got a great response to the first professional development session in May; participants said the information about violence against women and gender equity was a real eye opener and it inspired them to address it and make a difference. You can still book respectful relationships education sessions and professional development training online at: www.whwest.org.au/you-me-us

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Morgan Cataldo

WOW!
Local group raise more than $1200 for Womens Health West
Nicola Harte, Communications Manager

Shoulder to shoulder with boas and bling, 134 women supported Womens Health West at the Great Gatsby fundraiser on Sunday 2 June at the Sun theatre in Yarraville! Local women Michelle Masterson and Sarah Strybosch are the brains behind Women of the West and organised the evening to raise money for women and children escaping family violence. We sincerely thank the WOW women and all of the wonderful women who attended.

WOW women dressed in fabulous Gatsby-style

PHOTO: Annie Wormald

Funds and donations

Debra Wannan, Finance Officer Sophie Campbell, Crisis Accommodation Service Coordinator

Name
Grilld Pty Ltd Western Hospital Sunshine Magistrates Court Maribyrnong City Council

Description
Donation Donation received from Western Hospital Theatre Staff Court Ordered Donation Donation from Chris Lynch White Ribbon Ambassador for Maribyrnong City Council Great Gatsby fundraiser

Amount
100.00 255.05 400.00

Womens Health West would like to extend our thanks for the following financial contributions from February to May 2013; the items listed were either new or in excellent condition. These much appreciated grants and donations assist us to enhance our programs and services to women and children in our region. Every donation goes straight to assisting women and children.

300.00 1,271.00 2,326.05

Women of the West

Donor
Sea Breeze Quilters Patricia Greenwood Knit for Charities Jenny Hinton Bill and Chloe Shorten Chloe Shorten and children

Type of Donation
5 pamper packs, toiletries, clothes, toys and books Assortment of hats, scarves and childrens clothes Large basket of assorted goodies Womens outfits for employment interviews Assorted childrens clothing, toys and books and Bill the Bilby

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PHOTO: Nicola Harte

Membership form
TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership is free. To apply, fill in this form and mail to Womens Health West: 317319 Barkly Street, Footscray VIC 3011
CONTACT DETAILS
ADDRESS

ndividual Voting Member I (woman who lives, works or studies in the western metro region)
NAME

SUBURB POSTCODE

 rganisational Member O (organisation in, or whose client-base includes, the region)

O R G A N I S AT I O N

PHONE (W)

PHONE (H)

(Individual members only)

EMAIL ADDRESS C O N TA C T P E R S O N

(This person is also eligible to attend and vote at our Annual General Meeting)
POSITION

S I G N AT U R E D AT E

 ssociate Non-voting Member A (individual or organisation outside the region)

Sunrise now in Melton

Vicki Hester, Sunrise and Power On Project Worker

n 2011 the city of Melton was the second fastest growing local government area in Australia and between 2001 and 2012 the estimated residential population more than doubled; women comprise about half of that population. Population growth requires an accompanying increase in effective infrastructure to support health and wellbeing such as efficient and accessible public transport, affordable housing and adequate employment options. This presents a challenge for Melton, but especially for women in Melton, who are coping with the additional constraints of gender inequity regardless of population growth. Women with a disability are among the most disadvantaged in these conditions. When combined with social isolation, the risks to a womens wellbeing can be profound. Womens Health West has received funding to extend the Sunrise social groups for women with a disability to women living in the Melton area. Women who have joined Sunrise report enhanced wellbeing and a greater sense of support and solidarity with other women. The Melton Sunrise group meets regularly at the DJ Cunningham Centre, 29- 41 Exford Road, Melton South. The venue is accessible for those using mobility aids and is close to public

transport. We also provide assistance for women who want to learn public transport routes from their home to the venue. The group meets fortnightly on a Friday between 10am and1.30pm to accommodate single parents of school age children. Most Sunrise activities are free and it is free to join. Contacting women who are isolated in their community is a difficult task, and it can take courage to join a social group when youve experienced barriers that lead to isolation. As a result, we encourage all of our readers to pass on information about the Sunrise program to women who you think might appreciate this. There is more information about joining Sunrise at the back of this newsletter.

In

the meantime we look forward to witnessing even more women finding a voice through Sunrise, having fun, and building on the strengths they already possess now in Melton!

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ILLUSTRATION Isis & Pluto

Featured publication

Family violence and women with disabilities: An intensive case management approach

Susan, Intensive Case Manager Disability

n 2010 WHW secured funding to develop a model for intensive case management for women with disabilities who experience family violence. Women with disabilities experience similar types of violence as non-disabled women emotional, physical, controlling, isolation, stalking behaviour and sexual assault. However, women with a disability are at greater risk of violence directly or indirectly related to their disability, including by caregivers, such as withholding medications and essential assistance with personal tasks like bathing. Women are frequently isolated in their own homes by their disability and lack access to mainstream services. This project aimed to increase womens access to family violence services in a system lacking agreed protocols, frameworks and training. The Department of Human Services acknowledged that service provision to women with disabilities required a more integrated approach. The complexity and diversity of this client base means disability and family violence fields need to develop a shared understanding of our roles, particularly for clients whose needs span both sectors. The report recommends a shared understanding of family violence - frameworks, definitions and understanding of prevalence and impact - and an increase in consultation between the disability and family violence sectors at all levels.

Recommendations
The report outlines ten recommendations including training all disability workers to use the Common Risk Assessment Framework (CRAF) currently used by family violence workers and police. Adoption by the disability sector would support workers to identify risk factors and respond consistently and appropriately. Another recommendation involves protocols for reciprocal secondary consultations that enable disability workers to discuss family violence concerns with family violence workers. Concerns that are difficult to substantiate can lead to nonreporting by disability staff, who are well aware of the vital and sometimes difficult role that families and carers play in supporting the needs of women with a disability. Appropriate discussion of these concerns provides the worker with support and enhances the womans safety. See all of the recommendations in the report at www.whwest.org.au/resources

Come to the NAIDOC game!

Robbie Lynch, Aboriginal Family Violence Regional Coordinator Department of Children Youth and Families, North & West Metropolitan
he newly formed West Metropolitan Indigenous Family Violence Regional Action Group in partnership with the Rockbank Football and Sporting Club will host a NAIDOC football and netball game on Saturday 13 July at Ian Cowie Reserve, Rockbank. This day is to celebrate Aboriginal people, Aboriginal culture and being Aboriginal in todays society. Rockbank have 13 Aboriginal footballers at the club in 2013 and look to increase the numbers through the Aboriginal residents in Melton shire. All Aboriginal players for Rockbank FSC are White Ribbon Ambassadors and we aim to increase that through the club by White Ribbon Day on 25 November.

The Indigenous Family Violence Strategy is the major sponsor of the Rockbank FSC for 2013. There will be rides and activities for the kids. This is a great way to start moving forward together in harmony. All metropolitan family violence organisations and services providers are invited to hold information stalls on the day; most are Rockbank sponsors with signage around the boundary line throughout the season. If your organisation wants to be part of this please call Robbie Lynch on 03 9412 5390. Womens Health West is sponsoring the following players from Rockbank footy and netball clubs in 2013.

Rockbank footballer profile

Rockbank netballer profile

Name: Steven Hanning Age: 23 Position: Half Forward/Half Back AFL team: West Coast Fave RFSC personality: Terra Biggest influence in sport: Family and friends How did you get involved in RFSC?: Robbie Lynch and Shaun Wilson

Name: Jasmin Booth Age: 22 Position: Wing defence AFL team: Hawks Fave RFSC personality: Rabbit Biggest influence in sport: My brother Bronson Terrington Booth How did you get involved in RFSC?: Friend Kurt Lipp said to come over and play because all the people there were nice

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EVENTS and Notices

Veronica Garcia, Information and Administration worker

Family violence and support services for the western metropolitan region
Family violence is when a partner or family member hurts you, tries to dominate you or control what you do. Family violence is a crime. If you are ever in immediate danger, call the police on 000. Womens Health West assists women and children affected by family violence in the western metropolitan region of Melbourne. Outreach support workers provide free face-to-face or telephone support by giving you information and assistance that may help you decide for yourself what to do.
Womens Health West Family Violence Service Provides information, counselling, crisis and court support for women and children affected by family violence If you need an interpreter, first call the Telephone Interpreter Service (24 hours) on 131 450. They will connect you with the service you want www.whwest.org.au Womens Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria 24-hour service Safe accommodation, information, referral and advocacy www.wdvcs.org.au InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence Provides family violence crisis intervention and recovery, prevention and awareness raising, education and research, and advocacy for culturally and linguistically diverse communities www.intouch.asn.au Elizabeth Hoffman House Aboriginal Womens Services Provides emergency accommodation and support for Aboriginal women experiencing family violence www.ehhaws.org.au The Western Suburbs Indigenous Gathering Place Provides services and programs to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Melton, Brimbank, Wyndham and Moonee Valley www.gatheringplace.com.au Western Region Health Centre Victims Assistance and Counselling Program Provides a range of services to people who have experienced or witnessed violent crimes including family violence and all forms of assault www.wrhc.com.au/services_victims.php Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (West CASA) Provides counselling to facilitate the healing of victim/survivors of sexual assault www.westcasa.org.au Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) Housing and tenancy information www.vcat.vic.gov.au Sunshine Magistrates Court www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au/court/sunshine-magistrates-court Werribee Magistrates Court www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au/court/werribee-magistrates-court Melbourne Magistrates Court www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au/court/melbourne-magistrates-court Victims of Crime Helpline www.victimsofcrime.vic.gov.au 1800 819 817 9689 9588

1800 015 885 or 9322 3555

8413 6800

Sunrise Womens Groups

1800 796 112 or 9482 5744 Sunrise womens groups are social groups for women of all ages who have a disability and want to meet other women and feel connected. Open to women with a physical and/ or intellectual disability and women who experience mental illness. We come together to: Build friendships and support each other Get information about staying healthy 9687 5811 Try new things and have some fun! There are three Sunrise groups (Laverton, Melton and Caroline Springs) and each get together fortnightly. All venues are wheelchair accessible and public transport is nearby. You can see the calendar of events at www.whwest.org.au/ sunrise Please contact Vicki Hester for more information or to join a group: Phone: 9689 9588 Email: vicki@whwest.org.au

9318 7885

8398 4178

9628 9800

9300 6274 9974 9300 9628 7873

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whw in the news

Womens Health West has featured in 12 news articles since the last edition of WHW News. Full stories can be found online at: www.whwest.org.au/news/media/articles

Womens Health West 317-319 Barkly Street Footscray 3011

phone fax email

9689 9588

9689 3861

info@whwest.org.au www.whwest.org.au

website

womens health west equity and justice for women in the west