Summary:
Juliette Playford, an 18-year-old survivor of her father’s attempt to murder her and her younger sister, is advocating for better support for children affected by domestic family violence. She feels that children are often overlooked as victims and hopes to change the narrative around their role in these situations.
What This Means for You:
- Recognize that children can be victims of domestic family violence, even if they are not the primary target.
- Advocate for better resources and support for children who have experienced domestic family violence.
- Consider the impact of trauma on children’s mental health and well-being.
- Look out for signs of trauma in children who have experienced violence in the home, and advocate for their needs.
- Be aware of the long-term impact of domestic family violence on children’s development and future relationships.
Original Post:
Juliette Playford can still recall the look on her father’s face as he tried to murder her as an eight-year-old girl.
“He was staring at me. And I just remember his eyes just looking directly at me and I was looking at him. And he had the same face he always had on, which was like a tight-lipped smile.”
Now 18, the Brisbane schoolgirl is breaking her silence, telling 60 Minutes about the tragic night her father Stephen Playford drugged and suffocated her younger sister Sidney before trying to kill her.
Brisbane student Juliette Playford studying at home.Credit: Nine
Juliette says more needs to be done to support children of domestic family violence.
“I know how it feels not to have support and not to have anyone you can look up to … mothers or wives or girlfriends, they’re considered the main victims of domestic and family violence,” she says.
“Children are usually the ones who are overlooked. Everyone was asking my mum how she was, and I was just getting stuffed animals. No one really wanted to talk to me. No one asked me how I was.”
Extra Information:
- 1800RESPECT offers support for people affected by sexual assault, domestic and family violence.
- Kids Helpline provides free, confidential, and anonymous phone and online counseling for young people aged 5 to 25.
People Also Ask About:
- What is domestic family violence? Domestic family violence is a pattern of behavior that is used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, typically in a romantic or family relationship.
- How does domestic family violence impact children? Children who are exposed to domestic family violence may experience physical, emotional, and psychological harm, and may develop long-term mental health and behavioral issues.
- What support is available for children exposed to domestic family violence? Support services for children affected by domestic family violence include counseling, advocacy, and safe housing options.
- How can I help a child who has experienced domestic family violence? You can support a child who has experienced domestic family violence by listening to their experiences, connecting them with resources, and advocating for their needs.
Expert Opinion:
Domestic family violence is a complex and pervasive issue that affects people of all ages, including children. Children who are exposed to domestic family violence can experience profound and lasting harm, making it essential that we prioritize their safety, healing, and well-being. By providing better resources and support for children, we can help them heal from trauma and build a brighter future.
Key Terms:
- Domestic family violence
- Child abuse
- Trauma-informed care
- Child advocacy
- Safe housing
- Mental health resources
- Child welfare
- Child abuse prevention
- Child protective services
ORIGINAL SOURCE:
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