Kristy’s a clear voice for survivors

Domestic abuse survivor Kristy McKellar with Pakenham Police Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley. 157289

By Bonny Burrows

Domestic violence survivor and advocate for social change Kristy McKellar has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.
The leader of Cardinia Shire’s Survivors and Community Advisory Group, Kristy bravely made her personal battle with family violence public last year in the hope of raising awareness of the complexities of domestic abuse.
The mother-of-one suffered a horrific four-hour long assault at the hands of her former partner in 2012 when their daughter was just four months old.
While many would keep such incident hidden, Kristy instead chose to tell her tale and advocate on behalf of victims, inspiring all who meet her.
Now, five years on from that night, Kristy is nationally recognised for her work in the family violence sector.
She’s been named in the Australian Financial Review’s top 100 most influential women and the Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards’ 2016 Agenda Setter of the Year, is a founding member of the Victorian Royal Commission’s Social Services Taskforce and is the co-chair of the Victorian Royal Commission’s Victims Survivors’ Advisory Council.
This work successfully led to implementation of new State legislation to better protect family violence victims, prioritise their rights over that of the perpetrators and to support women and children to live safer, healthier and happier lives.
Locally, her Cardinia Shire Survivors and Community Advisory Group role involves working alongside community action group Together We Can to stop, prevent and end family violence in the shire.
The passion for her work stems from a desire to bridge the gaps she experienced when accessing the judicial system, and the lack of support available to survivors.
She’s made it her mission to be the voice for the voiceless; a face for the faceless victims.
And on 6 March Kristy was once again formally acknowledged for her efforts, joining 19 other women as inductees to the Honour Roll for Women.
The Honour Roll recognises women’s long-lasting achievements and contributions to society and Kristy was thrilled to be included.
She was described as a “courageous survivor of family violence and an inspiring advocate” dedicated to improving the lives of others.
“Influencing Australia’s leaders to create a national response to family violence, respect and equality, Kristy has made outstanding contributions on a national scale, challenging everyone to play their part in preventing family violence,” Kristy’s entry into the Honour Roll stated.
“She has empowered many women to speak out and seek support, and has given hope to many others to live a life free from family violence.”
Family Life deputy chief executive Allison Wainwright congratulated Kristy on her achievement and said it was an honour to work with her.
“She is leading the Community Advisory Group to ensure that survivors’ voices are heard in all aspects of the Together We Can initiative to stop prevent and end family violence in Cardinia Shire,” Ms Wainwright said.
“Kristy supported the Survivor Advisory Group as part of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and brings this knowledge into Cardinia Shire to the benefit of the local community.”
State Minister for Women Fiona Richardson, who is also Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, said the Honour Roll celebrated women’s contributions to society that often went unrecognised.
“Women contribute to their local communities in so many ways (and) these women have agitated for social justice and pushed frontiers,” Ms Richardson said.
“The women on the Honour Roll are role models for all Victorians.”
If you are interested in joining the Community Advisory Group and you have experienced family or domestic violence in your past and are no longer involved in court proceedings, email info@togetherwecan.org.au
If you are experiencing family violence phone 1800 RESPECT (737 732) or the Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491 for a confidential conversation.
If you need immediate assistance, call triple-zero.