TO DEVELOP more awareness of domestic violence, survivor and advocate Simone O’Brien has shared her personal story with students at Stawell Secondary College.
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The Horsham mother of three was bashed repeatedly with a baseball bat and left for dead by a man she had agreed to marry.
Mrs O'Brien spent a month in a Brisbane hospital's intensive care unit fighting for her life.
The perpetrator was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 15 years in jail.
He will be eligible for parole in 2025.
Mrs O’Brien said she had received an outpouring of support from the Wimmera community since talking publicly about her experience.
“I knew little about domestic violence and White Ribbon until it happened to me,” she said.
She has been a White Ribbon ambassador for two years.
White Ribbon Australia is a part of a global movement of men and boys working to end men’s violence against women.
An average of one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.
This is according to the most recent analysis of homicide statistics in Australia.
Mrs O’Brien spoke to students from years seven to 12 in Stawell for the first time on Tuesday.
Stawell Secondary College co-school captain Monique Kennedy-Read said hearing Mrs O’Brien talk about her personal experience was powerful.
“You hear about it through ads and television, but this made it become real,” she said.
Co-school captain Nick Bendall said Mrs O’Brien encouraged students to stand up and speak out about domestic violence.
“She said it could happen to anyone, anywhere,” he said.
“It opened the eyes of a few students.
“It was one of the most powerful talks we have heard.
“Everyone was in shock.”
- If you, or someone you know, needs help access national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling via 1800 737 732 or phone Grampians Community Health on 5358 7400.
