By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
Mim’s moving story on family violence…
MIM is testament to the fact that a high pain threshold isn’t always a good thing.
While being treated for skin cancer, she showed no pain as dry ice was applied to her bare skin.
Thinking her calm reaction meant that the treatment had not been effective, doctors left it on for too long and Mim ended up with blood poisoning from prolonged exposure.
But Mim’s high pain threshold has got her through some tough times. As a victim of family violence, she and her three children fled her abusive ex-partner. In the past few years, she’s dealt with primary and secondary cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder and financial difficulties.
Over 100 people attended the launch of the Monbulk Respect Family Violence Prevention Project at the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre last Wednesday.
Those in the room laughed and shed tears as Mim shared her experiences as a victim of domestic violence through her original composition, ’Metaphor.’ It was a particularly moving moment in a ceremony that was already sentimental to so many.
The project is an initiative of the Dandenong Ranges Music Council and aims to build a safer community within Monbulk. The launch was attended by Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O’Donohue, who praised the efforts of the organisers.
“The Monbulk Respects project is an innovative way to drive a change of attitude about violence against women.
Its local focus will give the project added prominence in the local community. White Ribbon Day highlighted the community’s commitment to changing attitides, and this project is designed to do exactly that.
“Monbulk police station Commander, Sargeant Steve Knight, led the White Ribbon Oath: a pledge never to commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.
Describing herself as a lifelong victim of family violence, Mim spoke of her pride for her sons and daughter and their intolerance towards violence against women.
“I prefer the term victim to survivor. It happened and it wasn’t my fault. It will be with me for the rest of my life.”
