Peer-to-peer education: working with community on tough legal problems

In 2021, in response to the high rates of family violence in Hume LGA (second highest in the Melbourne Metropolitan region) the Northern Community Legal Centre in partnership with Dallas Neighbourhood House, conducted the Hume Family Violence Peer Education Project.   

The project brought together 12 women from diverse cultural backgrounds – all residents of Hume – to participate in a series of family violence training sessions. They covered topics such as how to recognise and respond to family violence, and the services and safety pathways that are available to women, particularly those who are newly arrived. Through this peer-to-peer learning approach, the women learnt how to support, educate and empower other women in their community. 

On completion of the training, the women worked with local filmmakers Fringe Dweller Films to script and produce a short, powerful video encouraging other women in abusive relationships to seek help. The Take the First Step video was officially launched on International Women’s Day 2022.  

Carolyn Webster, Manager, Dallas Neighbourhood House, Tania McKenna, Policy and Education Manager, Northern Community Legal Centre and Lisa Albert, Fringe Dweller Films collaborated to bring the project to life. During this webinar, they will discuss their experiences working on this campaign and Peer Educator, Urmilla Banavali will reflect on her participation in the training. 

Presenters 

Tania McKenna, Policy and Education Manager, Northern Community Legal Centre

Carolyn Webster, Manager, Dallas Neighbourhood House 

Lisa Albert, Fringe Dweller Films 

Urmila Banavali, Participant and Peer Educator