Latest news with #SarahWilliams
SBS Australia
5 days ago
- SBS Australia
The 'invisible victims' being left behind in Australia's domestic violence response
This article contains references to domestic and family violence and sexual assault. Sarah Williams's upbringing was marked by abuse and intergenerational trauma, having witnessed and experienced violence from the time she was a small child. She says her parents' relationship was physically abusive, and, although her father left when she was 12, her mother's next partner also became violent. These relationships were "normalised" in Williams's family, and for many years she did not understand what was happening. "I had no idea that what I was experiencing wasn't normal because I experienced households with yelling and hitting and throwing objects since I was very young," she says. "It took a lot of psychology and counselling to get to the point of realising that what happened was not okay, it was abuse." Sarah Williams believes children and young people are often forgotten in conversations about domestic violence. Source: Supplied When Williams was 17, she decided to seek help, but found it difficult to find services or information that supported young people. She believes support and education about domestic and family violence often focuses on older demographics, and describes children as the "forgotten" victims. "It's always talking about the mum and dad, or the two parents … it's not talking about how that child has experienced violence as well," she says. "They've witnessed it all and experienced it and are a victim within their own right." The 'forgotten, invisible' victims Chelsea Tobin is CEO of Safe Steps, a domestic and family violence crisis service centre. She says domestic violence can impact young people whether they experience it firsthand from a parent, from another young person, or witness it between adults in their family. "What I would say is young people in particular are the forgotten, invisible victims of family and domestic violence," Tobin says. We know when young people experience family and domestic violence and their trauma is not addressed, it becomes intergenerational trauma. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2021-22 Personal Safety survey, about 13 per cent of people witness partner violence towards a parent before the age of 15. Of the people who had experienced childhood physical abuse, the most common perpetrator was a family member. But the 2023 Australian Child Maltreatment Study, which surveyed 3,500 young people aged 16 to 24, found 39.6 per cent of respondents had been exposed to domestic violence before the age of 18. Tobin says it is difficult to quantify exact numbers because many young people are not accessing support through the current systems. Chelsea Tobin is CEO of Safe Steps, a 24/7 family violence response centre. Source: Supplied "They don't call us, they don't call anyone, because they see traditional services as irrelevant, unhelpful, or inaccessible," Tobin says. "What young people are telling us … is that it's really unclear where they can find services that support them, that are relevant to them … and they're just repeatedly falling through the cracks." 'Complicated for a young person to understand' Ruby Allen was eight years old when domestic and family violence became part of her life. She says her mother's partner gradually became more and more controlling, and eventually, the situation became violent. After living in fear for several years, Allen and her mother, along with her two sisters, were able to escape and start a new life. They were able to afford housing and food, but Allen says she struggled to access support or education about what was happening to her. During that time, Allen often turned to internet searches to find answers, but everything she found was targeted at adults. "Those big words, and complicated definitions … they were very complicated for a young person to understand and that kind of left me more confused than before," she says. "There isn't really anything that provides support to a young person in a youth-friendly way." Now 18, Allen has become an advocate and is working to improve resources for young people experiencing the kind of violence she and her sisters faced. Ruby Allen says domestic violence services do not adequately cater for children and young adults. Source: Supplied Allen shares Williams's view that young people are often left out or not adequately represented in public conversations or media coverage about domestic and family violence. "Occasionally [in media] you see a vision of a child on the side or something like that … but that is a shallow perception of what actually happens because it's so much deeper than that," she says. "It's not just witnessing or seeing something, it's feeling the effects of it as well." Youth-perpetrated domestic violence Pam Barker, CEO of Brisbane Youth Service, says people who witness or experience domestic and family violence at a young age are also more likely to use violence themselves. She says this is a complex facet of the domestic violence space that is not well understood. "They witness it or they're subjected themselves to the violence, and then what occurs is these young people learn how to solve problems and emotionally regulate through the use of physical violence or emotional violence," Barker says. These young people grow up and they have partners, and because of the nature of their upbringing and their current attachment styles, they then start to utilise violence as a way to address issues. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, young people who have experienced family violence are around nine times more likely to use violence than those who haven't experienced abuse. They are also 43 per cent more likely to experience partner violence as adults. Barker says there are many gaps in the system and public knowledge when it comes to domestic, family and sexual violence experienced and perpetrated by young people. Barker says early intervention and education can play a crucial role, and is calling for a youth-specific domestic and family violence response. "If we can decrease the number of young people using violence and becoming entrenched in those relationships … we are breaking the cycle and decreasing the adult quota," she says. "If we can decrease and divert these young people, we can change lives, and we can also change their children's lives because this is the beginning of the cycle." When it comes to support services, Tobin says children and young people are often treated as "extensions of their protective parent" rather than victim-survivors in their own right. She says this means their individual needs, risks, and trauma have traditionally not been addressed or treated. "I think young people have unique needs; they're in critical stages of cognitive, emotional and social development," Tobin says. "And that makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of trauma, so we need tailored services that meet those unique needs." She says Australia needs a digital-first response designed for children and young people, with tailored support, education, and referral services. Lasting impacts and ongoing trauma Experiencing or witnessing domestic and family violence at a young age can have ripple effects throughout a person's life. Williams says this has been evident in her family, with both of her parents experiencing abuse in their lives, and later going on to perpetuate abusive behaviours. She no longer has contact with any of her biological family and has spent years in counselling trying to understand and work through her trauma. "I think because [it's] all I've ever known, it's affected absolutely every aspect of my life," she says. Looking back, I was definitely in survival mode, literally my whole life. Williams believes her childhood experiences have also impacted her relationships as a young adult. She says her first romantic relationship was violent, with her former partner abusing her physically, emotionally and financially. She says she was also sexually assaulted multiple times. "For the first 10 to 12 months, I thought that was completely normal and that is how you express love," she says. "Obviously, it felt bad; it hurt and broke me, but I thought that was something that happens because that's all I saw." While she is still working through the trauma and ongoing impacts of her experiences, Williams has also stepped into advocacy. She says she hopes her work can help improve education, awareness, and support for children and young people to recognise domestic and family violence. "The biggest part for me is not wanting anyone else to experience what I've experienced, and not wanting to redo those patterns. "If there are any other younger children out there, they can hopefully spot the signs before I did." If you or someone you know is impacted by family and domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732, or visit In an emergency, call 000.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Dagenham: 'I've no home, no answers after flat block fire'
East London residents who lost their homes in an apartment block fire are demanding greater transparency and access to information from the building owner and insurer about the cause of the London Fire Brigade (LFB) rescued at least 20 people from the Spectrum Building in Dagenham during a fire in August leaving more than 80 residents Williams, who was a leaseholder in the now-demolished block, told BBC London: "I have no home. No one will give me answers and I've got no justice."Insurance company Aviva has said it is committed to supporting residents and has shared its forensic findings. The building owner Arinium Limited has been asked to comment. Spectrum Building was demolished last December after surveyor reports deemed the building unsafe. Ms Williams said: "Just seeing a former home in rubble on the floor is quite difficult. "Nobody was ever able to get back into their flats, we had no opportunity to say goodbye other than standing on the outskirts watching as they destroy your home."She said the fire will cost her over £100,000 in terms of the possessions she lost, which she did not have contents insurance for, and the cost of renting a new home. "Collectively, as residents and leaseholders we're looking at millions of pounds that we will face in costs for a fire that was not our fault."The insurance company will pay for three years of rent but Ms Williams said this falls short of the possible six years it is projected to take to rebuild the block.A letter signed by 17 MPs - including Margaret Mullan who represents Dagenham - addressed to Aviva Group chief executive Amanda Blanc called for "answers about what caused the fire and what allowed it to spread so quickly that their lives were in danger".The letter stated: "The Spectrum Building fire caused profound upheaval to the victims and continues to have significant negative effects on their lives. "Today, the leaseholders are still in temporary accommodation across our constituencies, uncertain how to rebuild their lives."The letter acknowledges that the MPs and former Spectrum residents had seen Aviva's forensic report but it goes on to request more information than what was Williams said: "What we want is some kind of technical information about what our building was made of, photographs and evidence." James Allchurch owned one flat he lived in and rented out another in the tower told the BBC: "At the moment I I would just like some transparency, accountability, responsibility."We know Aviva conducted a forensic investigation into the cause of the fire and I just feel that something as important as that should be available in the public domain to prevent it happening in the future," he said. While he has been able to buy a new home in Kent, Mr Allchurch said he did so without being able to sell or rent out his Spectrum House properties. "We were renting out our flat, that was our pension for the future and that's gone as well," he added. "Aviva remains committed to supporting the Spectrum Building community during this difficult time," a spokesperson for the insurance firm said."Throughout this process, we have actively engaged with the freeholder and their representatives to ensure information is shared appropriately, balancing transparency with our legal obligations and the integrity of the ongoing investigation."They said they had issued a letter "outlining our forensic findings" to all leaseholders "via the freeholders representatives" as well as several spokesperson said Aviva's investigators cannot begin their work until the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and Met Police investigations conclude and the site is opened.
Newsweek
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Photos Show Upgraded US F-16 Jets Arriving on North Korea's Doorstep
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A fleet of upgraded F-16 fighter jets arrived in South Korea recently as part of an ongoing effort to boost the United States' and its ally's defenses against nuclear-armed North Korea. Newsweek has reached out to the North Korean Embassy in China for comment via email. Why It Matters The U.S. military currently has over 28,500 personnel stationed in South Korea to deter and defend against North Korea's threats, as both sides technically remain in a state of war following the conclusion of an armistice—but not a peace treaty—after the Korean War. The F-16, also known as the Fighting Falcon, is a fourth-generation fighter jet operated by both the U.S. and South Korea. Last summer, U.S. forces stationed on the Korean Peninsula created the first "super F-16 squadron" by consolidating combat aircraft at Osan Air Base. A second F-16 "super squadron" is set to be established at Osan Air Base in October. Both enlarged units are assigned 31 fighter jets each to increase readiness and combat capability. What To Know The U.S. Air Force 51st Fighter Wing—headquartered at Osan Air Base—announced on Tuesday that F-16 jets that had received avionics system upgrades landed at Osan between June 26 and 27, marking a significant milestone in strengthening combat readiness. The jets, which were relocated from the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base in Japan, have capabilities closer to those of fifth-generation aircraft—a classification that includes F-22 and F-35 jets—improving their survivability and weapon systems' accuracy. The upgraded Fighting Falcons would bring what the 51st Fighter Wing described as "unparalleled multi-role versatility and superior operational range" to U.S. forces in South Korea, supporting the unit's ability to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. United States F-16 fighter jets arrive at Osan Air Base in South Korea from Misawa Air Base in Japan on June 26, 2025. United States F-16 fighter jets arrive at Osan Air Base in South Korea from Misawa Air Base in Japan on June 26, 2025. Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams/U.S. Air Force The transfer of the fighter jets also enhances alignment between U.S. forces in South Korea and Japan, strengthening combined airpower across the Indo-Pacific region and improving the U.S. military's ability to respond swiftly and effectively, according to the 51st Fighter Wing. Last summer, the Pentagon announced that, as part of major upgrades to its air power in Japan, 36 F-16 jets stationed at Misawa Air Base—which are tasked with suppression and destruction of enemy air defense missions—will be replaced by 48 advanced F-35A jets. The number of Japan-based F-16 jets transferred to South Korea remains unclear. It is also uncertain whether Osan Air Base will receive additional aircraft from Misawa Air Base. The U.S. Air Force will continue to modernize its fleet of aircraft to maintain air superiority and outpace what it calls "evolving threats," the 51st Fighter Wing said in a press release. A United States F-16 fighter jet taxis at Osan Air Base in South Korea after arriving from Misawa Air Base in Japan on June 26, 2025. A United States F-16 fighter jet taxis at Osan Air Base in South Korea after arriving from Misawa Air Base in Japan on June 26, 2025. Staff Sgt. Sarah Williams/U.S. Air Force What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force 51st Fighter Wing said in a press release on Tuesday: "As the U.S. Air Force's most forward deployed, permanently-based wing, the 51st [Fighter Wing] plays a critical role in maintaining regional security. The arrival of these upgraded aircraft underscores the U.S.-ROK alliance and ensures the wing remains prepared to fight tonight." ROK stands for Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea. U.S. Air Force Captain Alexandra Sears, 25th Fighter Generation Squadron director of operations, said in a press release on Tuesday: "F-16s are one of the only multi-role fighters. They can do everything. They're incredibly lightweight and quick, and when you upgrade the F-16s, they're able to do so many missions, such as providing close air support like the A-10 or suppressing enemy air defense missions." What Happens Next It remains to be seen how North Korea—which is estimated to possess about 50 nuclear warheads—will respond to the latest U.S. military deployment on the Korean Peninsula.
Hamilton Spectator
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Treat yourself to some ice cream at these Hamilton spots
Ice cream is eternal, but the hottest season comes but once a year. To help satiate those cool treat cravings, Willard's has opened a second ice cream shop downtown, taking over the Creamy Atlas location in May. Known for locally made, rotating dairy and vegan flavours, Willard's offers something for everyone. Parched customers fiending for frozen treats may be able to find scoops of London fog and toasted marshmallow or dairy-free blueberry thyme at the new Mulberry Street 'Second Scoop' ice cream shop — behind Mulberry Street Coffeehouse, near the corner of James Street North. Matt Willard scoops his toffee-flavoured ice cream into a container. You can still find their plain vanilla bean, chocolate or even, possibly, garlic or Parmesan flavoured ice creams at the original Main Street East location, steps away from Gage Park. Try your favourite flavour in a handmade waffle cone or take home a pint of the sweet stuff. Here are some other ice cream spots to help keep cool in the summer heat: The garage with the most ice cream in Ancaster is Purple Pony. Find classic scoops at this seasonal shop. Sarah Williams creates a masterpiece at Purple Pony in Ancaster. Thirsting for sweets in Dundas? Jax's old-fashioned shop is the place. Get a banana split, crepes or milkshake, all made with Hewitt's Dairy ice cream. Chose one of their specialty sundaes or build your own at The Parlour in Concession Street's Townhall Social Eatery. There are shakes, floats and funnel cakes, too. Ice cream is on the menu at these Hamilton shops. Like it soft serve? Lime Ridge Mall's Sweet Jesus has the crumble coating and chocolate sauce to get every mouth watering. A customer leaves Biggies Ice Cream on Upper Sherman with their ice cream. Scoops are on the menu at Upper Sherman's Biggies Ice Cream. Choose from plenty of Hewitt's Dairy flavours or grab a milkshake.
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Chilling moment hi-vis gunman shoots father-of-three dead outside gym 'for exposing illicit prison affair'
The chilling moment a gunman wearing hi-vis shot a father-of-three dead outside a gym for 'exposing an illicit prison affair' has been captured on CCTV. Lenny Scott, 33, who was the father of twins, was shot six times outside a gym on February 8 last year. Today the footage, with audible gunshots, was played to the jury who watched the tragic last moments of Mr Scott's life. The motive behind the killing lay in his former job at Altcourse prison in Liverpool nearly four years earlier, the murder trial jury was told. Mr Scott had searched inmate Elias Morgan's cell and found a mobile phone on March 26, 2020, Preston Crown Court was told. Not only was possession of the phone a criminal offence, but Morgan knew it contained evidence which would expose his sexual relationship with prison officer Sarah Williams, prosecutor Alex Leach KC said. Morgan, who denies murder, told Mr Scott to 'balls up the paperwork' and even offered him £1,500 not to report it, jurors were told. But the prison officer submitted the paperwork - and from that moment 'Elias Morgan told Lenny Scott that he would get him, he said he would bide his time, but that he would get him'. The motive behind the killing lay in Mr Scott's (pictured) former job at Altcourse prison in Liverpool nearly four years earlier, the murder trial jury was told Footage shows how Mr Scott left the gym shortly before 5:30pm and stood chatting to someone in the car park for a short time. A man, wearing orange hi-vis, could be seen loitering nearby, seemingly waiting for someone. As Mr Scott stood next to a car chatting, the man slowly approached him before suddenly rounding the corner with a gun, which he then opened fire with on the former prison officer. Mr Leach told jurors that on February 8, 2024, Mr Scott was leaving a gym in Skelmersdale, Lancashire 'when he was approached by a man wearing a high-visibility jacket and carrying a handgun'. 'The man shot him, six times, to the head and body,' he said. 'Lenny Scott died of his injuries. 'The murder was, the prosecution says, an act of retaliation.' He told jurors that the evidence would show that Morgan 'orchestrated' the murder and 'pulled the trigger himself'. Footage shows how Mr Scott left the gym shortly before 5:30pm and stood chatting to someone in the car park for a short time The court heard in the days after Mr Scott found the phone, he reported being threatened by Morgan. He told his father that Morgan had said words to the effect of 'I'll bide my time, but I promise I will get you' before making a gun gesture towards him. A 'visibly frightened' Mr Scott also told his former partner that Morgan had threatened him that his 'home would be blown up with his family inside'. Four days later he told a police call hander: 'I'm in fear for my family's life.' The jury heard he also reported the 'threats' to the Prison Service, saying Morgan had told him his family would be hurt if he did not 'drop' the illegal phone matter. Instead the phone was examined and Morgan was arrested, later being charged with unauthorised possession of the mobile phone. Williams, the officer with whom he'd had a relationship, later admitted three offences of misconduct in a public officer and a computer misuse offence.
