Celebrating International Women’s Day – Helen Bolton, The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (SAFVC)

Helen Bolton is the Chief Executive Officer of The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (SAFVC), a role she commenced in 2011. Her career has involved extensive experience in the delivery of family violence and sexual assault services, working towards gender equality, implementing policy reform and working in leadership across government and for purpose sectors.

The SAFVC, established in 1978, offers a specialist range of support services to all people impacted by sexual and family violence and victims of crime encompassing 24 hour crisis response, case management, therapeutic counselling and group programs, early intervention programs, refuge and housing support, legal services, professional training and primary intervention initiatives.

The organisation provides support to almost 10,000 clients per year across Barwon, Wimmera and the South West Victoria regions.

“My personal vision and purpose closely aligns to that of our organisation, which is for a community free from sexual assault and family violence, and a society underpinned by the principles of gender equality, social justice and human rights,” said Helen.

Throughout her time as CEO, Helen has seen a significant shift in the understanding, awareness and response to sexual and family violence within the community.

“The catalyst for this change commenced with the Royal Commission into Family Violence in 2015 which brought significant service improvements, followed by a number of women across Australia with a lived experience of violence who spoke out, together with the momentum of wide-reaching campaigns such as #LetHerSpeak and #MeToo,” she said.

“This brought a collective understanding and solidarity, reducing the stigma and educating the community that violence is never the fault of the victim; it is the choice of the person using violence.”

Helen explains that there is now greater access to a range of services and supports, and a stronger focus on the experience and safety of victim-survivors, and on perpetrator accountability.

“Through our trauma-informed approach we offer a number of services supporting a victim’s journey toward recovery, partnered with primary prevention and gender equality programs aimed at stopping violence before it begins,” she said.

“While there is still work to do, we are working towards a future where all people are safe, thriving, and living free from violence.”

Helen’s hope for the future is that one day the organisation will no longer be needed, that sexual and family violence cease to exist, and that as a community, all are treated equally and with respect.

“But while the SAFVC is needed and gender inequality and violence exists, I hope that our organisation continues to thrive, providing a range of services to those that need us,” she said.

“We seek for our organisation to provide strong advocacy while also working to prevent violence, educating the community on the causes of violence and how, together, we can stop it from happening in the first place.”

Helen emphasises that the organisation’s clients are at the centre of everything, from response services to early intervention and prevention.

“I hope those in our community who are impacted by violence, whether it be themselves or someone they know, understand that no matter their circumstances, support is available and they can contact us,” she said.

When asked about the importance of International Women’s Day, Helen points to the opportunity to advance and celebrate the achievements of all women, and to acknowledge the contribution of women.

“It’s a day to reflect on the work of women who came before us and paved the way for the world we live in today,” she said.

“But there is still work to do and it’s a chance to advocate for gender equality, to make our communities safe and respectful, and ultimately free from violence.”

Helen also offers some advice for other women working, or looking to start a career, in the for-purpose sector.

“Working in this sector ignites your passion for a better and more humane society,” she said.

“It is a career that enables you to make a structural difference, meet amazing people, to have colleagues with strong, aligned values, and feel connected to a purpose. I’d encourage anyone contemplating a career in this field to follow that purpose.”