Women Empower Youth Through Domestic Violence Awareness Presentation

Last week, Vicki Blackburn and Chloë McCardel made a significant impact on local schools by holding presentations aimed at raising awareness about domestic and family violence (DFV). The duo engaged with students at Holy Spirit College Mackay, Catherine McAuley College and Kutta Mulla Gorinna Special Assistance School (KMG), where they shared their powerful stories in hopes of encouraging others to speak out and flee from domestic violence.

After the tragic murder of her daughter, Shandee Blackburn, Vicki Blackburn has devoted her life to advocacy. In response to this heartbreaking loss, she has become a voice for countless individuals whose stories frequently remain untold.

Through her recent presentations, Vicki seeks to educate young people about the signs of DFV, emphasising the need to recognise these warning signs early on to prevent further violence.

Guest speaker Chloë McCardel, a world-renowned marathon swimmer with multiple world records, has also faced the harrowing reality of domestic violence. Despite her outstanding achievements in the sport, Chloë’s journey has been marked by personal hardship.

Her presentation began with a reflection on her upbringing, where she often felt like an outsider in her family. Swimming became her escape - a place where she thrived despite the doubts of others. This determination drove her to accomplish extraordinary feats, including swimming the English Channel 44 times, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest ultra-marathon swimmers in history.

While pursuing her swimming career, Chloë endured a toxic relationship that led to severe physical and emotional abuse. Despite the trauma, she eventually escaped and now draws from her experience to raise awareness about domestic violence, specifically the narcissistic traits often presented by abusive individuals.

In addition to her remarkable swimming career, Chloë has coached over 150 people to successfully cross the English Channel and has become a passionate advocate for domestic violence victims. As an international keynote speaker, she strives to empower others to share their stories and seek the help they deserve.

“I left that relationship in 2018, i kept swimming...i got through the process of healing in those difficult years and now part of my healing is sharing my story and making a positive impact in the community by talking to schools,” shared Chloë.

Vicki said, “We must remember that the victim is never responsible for abuse.

“Shandee’s death lies purely at the foot of the person who attacked her and absolutely no one else.

“I’m here with Chloë to hopefully give the students an idea on how to recognise behaviours that are not appropriate and not acceptable and provide some information on where they can find support to get the help they need.”

Together, Vicki and Chloë are fostering a culture of awareness and support within the community. Their presentations focus on critical themes such as DFV awareness, prevention and available support services, emphasising the importance of recognising abuse and providing pathways to help. By informing younger generations, they aim to lessen the likelihood of domestic violence and empower victims to break the silence and seek assistance.

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If you need support regarding this issue, please reach out to the following numbers:
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
1800 RESPECT - 1800 737 732
13 YARN - 13 92 76

Through their heartfelt talks, Vicki Blackburn and Chloë McCardel aim to raise awareness, educate youth on the signs of abuse, and inspire the next generation to break the cycle of silence and seek help. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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