The Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service Victoria (FVPLS Victoria) is hosting the Blak On Repeat Free Clothing Market for Aboriginal women on Friday 1 September 2017 at Djirra Women’s Place in Abbotsford.
The Blak On Repeat Free Clothing Market comes after the successful completion of the 5 Week #BlakOnRepeat Wardrobe Challenge. The Challenge was devised by FVPLS Victoria staff who
realised that many women only wore a small amount of clothing from their wardrobes, and still had the chance to go out and buy more, but this was not the case for everyone. “Many of the
women we work with and others in communities struggle to provide the day to day necessities for their families, let alone have the ability to purchase clothing for themselves. This challenge is a
chance to show support for our women, and although a fresh outfit is just a small gesture, it canmake a big difference on the hardest of days,” said Ms Braybrook.
The 5 Week #BlakOnRepeat Wardrobe Challenge involved taking a pledge not to purchase any clothing for five weeks and to donate ten quality wardrobe items to the challenge for distribution
at the market. “We put a call out for a range of good quality clothing especially business attire, as many of the women we work with have important meetings or court proceedings relating to
family violence. Women experiencing family violence may have fled the family home without time to back important belongings or they might not have control over their finances which makes an opportunity like this really critical,” said Ms. Braybrook.
Support for the challenge has been outstanding. Many organisation and individuals have come on board to support Aboriginal women. FVPLS Victoria is grateful for the support from organisations such as Reconciliation Australia, Aboriginal Victoria, Yarra City Council, Indigenous Land Cooperation, Our Watch, No To Violence Incorporating Men’s Referral Service, State Government Departments, Fitted for Work and Inner Melbourne Community Legal Centre, to name just a few. An example of the commitment to the challenge includes the Red Cross who have donated 50 outfits.
The Blak On Repeat Free Clothing Market is for all Aboriginal women and especially the women FVPLS Victoria works with. The market provides an opportunity for Aboriginal women to come
together in a culturally safe space at Djirra. Women can select clothing items to add to their wardrobes, have a yarn with FVPLS staff members, enjoy a little pampering with mini-manicures
on offer, as well as enjoy the sausage sizzle and DJ tunes on offer. This is just one example of FVPLS Victoria’s innovative approach to breaking down social isolation and increase access to
services and supports.
FVPLS Victoria provides culturally safe frontline legal and non-legal support, early intervention prevention and community legal education to Aboriginal victims/survivors of family violence and sexual assault. In 2016-17 our holistic services reached more than 6000 people. Our Sisters Day Out® well-being workshop program, now in its tenth year, has attracted close to 8500 participants. Aboriginal people who need legal advice can phone 1800 105 303 toll-free.
FVPLS Victoria works with victims and survivors of family violence. Aboriginal women represent 93% of our clients. They are the most legally disadvantaged group in Australia. Nationally, Aboriginal women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised for family violence and 10 times more likely to die from violent assault than other women.
Event details:
Blak On Repeat Free Clothing Market @ Djirra
Friday 1 September 2017
11 am – 3 pm
Djirra at FVPLS Victoria, 292 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford Victoria
The Blak On Repeat Free Clothing Market is a free event for all Aboriginal women. Children are welcome.
Like us on Facebook or follow us on twitter: @FVPLSVictoria and Antoinette Braybrook: @BraybrookA
Media Contact: Amy Greer for Antoinette Braybrook, CEO on [email protected] or 0428 112 356.