COMBATTING GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN TIMOR LESTE

 
Professor Angela Taft
Angela Taft, one of our new Members for 2023, has been very active in her role as Emeritus Professor and former Director, Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, in her campaign to prevent violence against women and children in all societies.
 
Angela was instrumental in the writing and promotion of a practical step-by-step guide for students and health professionals on how to safely support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gender-based Violence and Healthcare in Timor-Leste by Kayli Wild, Katrina Langford, and Guilhermina de Araujo is written in English and Tetan, the language of Timor-Leste.
 
 
     
    Combining international evidence and best practice from the World Health Organisation, and research with midwives and women survivors of violence, the book teaches readers how to identify the signs of violence, empower survivors and provide safe and supportive care within Timor-Leste’s network of health and referral services.
     
    Violence against women and children is pervasive in all societies. The resulting trauma and damage to people’s health, wellbeing and development is a central issue that healthcare providers confront on a regular basis. Too often these healthcare providers are given little guidance on how to best help victims of violence and are left to deal with these very complicated issues without adequate support.
     
    Angela said: “I am proud to have launched the first textbook in Tetun for Timorese nursing, midwifery and medical students and providers on Gender based violence and the Healthcare system in Timor Leste. This is an adaptation for Timor of the WHO curriculum we piloted and evaluated.”
    Speakers at the official launch in Australia last week included:
    • Dr Kirsty Sword Gusmao, Former First Lady of Timor Leste
    • Dr Kayli Wild, Senior Research Fellow, Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University
    • Emeritus Professor Angela Taft, Former Director, Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University