Dr Wendy O’Brien speaks at Family Violence event
Criminologist, Dr Wendy O’Brien joined a panel of Deakin scholars last night at an event designed to address the ‘wicked problem’ of family violence. Co- hosted by Deakin Vice-Chancellor, Jane den Hollander, and the Melbourne Women’s Fund, the event featured presentations by Dr Wendy O’Brien, Professor Andrew Day, and Professor Ann Taket.
Wendy spoke about the need for specialised therapeutic and diversionary services for children who experience multiple and complex forms of childhood trauma. Identifying major impediments to service provision, Wendy discussed geographic and demographic gaps in service delivery, and the need for increased funding and capacity building to support the specialised trauma counselling workforce. Wendy also argued that early intervention, that avoids stigmatising children with complex behavioural issues, provides the best chances for children to remain integrated in school and avoid contact with the criminal justice system.
The event, held at the Deakin City Centre, brought together the academic and community sectors in a productive and challenging discussion about the contemporary challenges of confronting family violence.