March 23, 2021

Season 2 Episode 8: "I spiraled down to a dark place:" An interview with a young survivor of officer involved domestic violence and his Mum

1 hour 12 minutes

The voices of children impacted by domestic violence perpetrators are being ignored by professionals.

In this ground-breaking interview, a fourteen year old survivor of officer-involved domestic violence, and his mother speak openly about their experience with systems. Liam, and his mother Michelle (pseudonyms) share how the police colluded with their perpetrator, who was Liam's stepfather. They speak about how Liam and his sister were treated as after thoughts, and not victims in their own right. Alternately between sadness and anger Liam talks about the failures of the police, child welfare and other professionals.

Links to other interviews and stories with Liam and Michelle
Liam’s Op-Ed in the Age
https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/child-survivors-of-family-violence-need-to-be-recognised-20201206-p56kzq.html

Our interview with the ABC (radio) which caused complaints because a child spoke
https://www.abc.net.au/radio/melbourne/programs/mornings/victoria-police,-minister-apologise-to-woman/12363274

Sixty minutes
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Clth5kpkiJc

An article about Liam and his sister https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/12335894

Two articles about our story published in the Age https://www.theage.com.au/national/hidden-crisis-when-your-domestic-abuser-is-also-the-local-police-officer-20201203-p56k6r.html

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/systemic-problems-ibac-uncovers-police failings-on-domestic-abuse-by-officers-20201206-p56l0d.html

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Check out David Mandel's new book Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers: How to Transform the Way We Keep Children Safe from Domestic Violence.

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