At a time when family violence wasn't even recognised by the law, a group of women broke into two vacant houses in Sydney and claimed squatters' rights, changing lives and attitudes to family violence forever.

This event was recorded at the Elsie Conference on 15 March 2024. Original Big Ideas broadcast on 6 May 2024.

Speakers

Professor Di Otto Halfway House Victoria

Bobbie Townsend Former resident and worker, Elsie Women's Refuge

Vivien Johnson Founding member of Marrickville Women's Refuge Collective

Ludo McFerrin (host) Elsie Women's Refuge

Big Ideas

ABC listen

Meet the mothers of Australia's women's refuge movement

DEC 17, 202453 MIN
Big Ideas

Meet the mothers of Australia's women's refuge movement

DEC 17, 202453 MIN

Description

<p>At a time when family violence wasn't even recognised by the law, a group of women broke into two vacant houses in Sydney and claimed squatters' rights, changing lives and attitudes to family violence forever.</p><p>This event was recorded at the <a href="https://www.elsieconference.com.au/program">Elsie Conference</a> on 15 March 2024. Original Big Ideas broadcast on 6 May 2024.</p><p>Speakers</p><p><a href="https://www.elsieconference.com.au/speakers?pgid=loi0dt9x-professor-dianne-otto_25">Professor Di Otto</a> Halfway House Victoria</p><p><a href="https://www.elsieconference.com.au/speakers?pgid=loi0dt9x-bobbie-townsend_23">Bobbie Townsend</a> Former resident and worker, Elsie Women's Refuge</p><p><a href="https://www.elsieconference.com.au/speakers?pgid=loi0dt9x-vivien-johnson_15">Vivien Johnson</a> Founding member of Marrickville Women's Refuge Collective</p><p><a href="https://www.elsieconference.com.au/speakers?pgid=loi0dt9x-ludo-mcferran-am_13">Ludo McFerrin (host)</a> Elsie Women's Refuge</p>