The Lisa Harnum Foundation

Every Voice Matters: Amplifying Awareness for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention This May

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:38:33 -0700

Every Voice Matters: Amplifying Awareness for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention This May

Every year, thousands of women in Australia experience domestic violence — but not all abuse leaves bruises. Some wounds are invisible. Some traps are psychological. And some lives are shattered long before a hand is ever raised.

This is the reality of coercive control — a silent epidemic in our homes, workplaces, and communities.

Coercive control isn’t about momentary anger. It’s a sustained pattern of manipulation, intimidation, and domination. It isolates. It depletes. And it can be deadly. Victims often describe it not as a single traumatic event, but as a slow erasure of their freedom, identity, and confidence.

Why This Matters in the Workplace

As professionals, leaders, and community members, we may not see the signs — but they’re there. They show up in absenteeism, stress, disengagement, or isolation. In whispered calls for help. In the colleague who used to smile but now walks a little quieter.

And yet, the workplace...Read More

Addressing Violence against older Women

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 05:30:39 -0700

Addressing Violence against older Women

The issue of domestic violence in Australia has long been a critical focus for advocacy groups, government bodies, and community organizations. While much attention has been directed toward younger victims and families, there is a rising awareness of a "silent crisis" affecting older women. This demographic is increasingly vulnerable to domestic violence, often perpetrated by family members. In 2023, this grim reality was underscored by the deaths of 28 women over the age of 55, accounting for 30% of all domestic violence homicides that year. The Lisa Harnum Foundation is committed to shedding light on this crisis and advocating for systemic change.

The Unique Challenges Faced by Older Women

Older women experiencing domestic violence face unique challenges that distinguish their experiences from younger victims. Many are financially dependent on their abusers, often due to years of unpaid caregiving roles or limited workforce participation. They may also be emotionally tethered to their families, with cultural or societal pressures discouraging them from speaking out. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding elder abuse often leads to underreporting, leaving many cases invisible to authorities.

In many...Read More

The Lisa Harnum Story

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:20:18 -0700

In the realm of tragic tales that unveil the dark side of relationships, the story of Lisa Harnum stands as a poignant reminder of the pervasive and insidious nature of coercive control. Her case, marked by unimaginable tragedy, not only shook a nation but also sparked crucial conversations about domestic abuse and the urgent need for intervention.

Lisa Harnum's life was abruptly cut short on July 30, 2011, when she was thrown off the balcony of her apartment in Sydney, Australia, by her fiancé Simon Gittany. The harrowing incident shocked the world, shedding light on the complexities of domestic violence beyond physical abuse alone.

In Lisa's case, signs of coercive control were evident throughout her relationship with Gittany. She was subjected to surveillance, constant monitoring of her movements, isolation from friends and family, and strict rules dictating her behavior. Gittany's possessive and controlling demeanor created a climate of fear and dependency, leaving Lisa feeling trapped and powerless.

Despite the escalating signs of abuse, Lisa's plight went unnoticed by many, including authorities and acquaintances. The tragedy served as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for a shift in societal attitudes and legal frameworks regarding domestic violence. Lisa's case prompted calls for greater awareness, education, and resources to identify and address coercive control effectively.

In the aftermath of Lisa's death, her legacy became intertwined with advocacy efforts aimed at preventing similar tragedies. Her story spurred legislative...Read More

Coercive Control: Recognising, Understanding, and Combating Abuse

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 14:53:09 -0700

Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that often goes unnoticed, yet its emotional and psychological impact can be devastating. This insidious and manipulative behavior is characterised by a pattern of domination and intimidation aimed at maintaining power and control over a victim. While it may not always involve physical violence, it can be equally damaging, leaving deep emotional scars on those who experience it.

In this article, we will delve into what coercive control is, identify its signs, explore its impact, and shed light on those who experience it.

Coercive control is a form of psychological abuse in which an abuser employs various tactics to exert power over their victim. Unlike physical abuse, coercive control primarily focuses on emotional, mental, and social manipulation. These tactics often include:

Isolation: Abusers may isolate their victims from friends, family, or support networks, making them entirely dependent on the abuser for social interaction and emotional support.
Monitoring and surveillance: Abusers might constantly check their victim's whereabouts, phone calls, emails, and online activity, invading their privacy and making them feel constantly watched.
Threats and intimidation: Perpetrators use threats, both explicit and implied, to keep their victims in fear. This can include threats to harm the victim, their...Read More