Australian Story: Fiona Richardson

From Australian Story this an episode on the deceased Fiona Richardson the first Minster for the Prevention of Family Violence. This episode went to air on the 28th of August 2017 ABC TV. If you need to talk to someone you can call lifeline on 13 11 14, beyondblue on 1300 22 46 36 and / or for domestic violence 1800 RESPECT (1800 73 77 32).

[@melissagayheart7716]

I'm very sorry Fiona died, im from America I didn't know who she was but she seems like a beautiful person who love her family and they went through alot ❤

[@madeleine8977]

I feel that these video's help me to be more human and compassionate since I have no personal history of domestic abuse. Thank you to the Richardsons and every person who spreads the horror of abuse. It takes courage, and they have it. I feel so much for Veronica. The reality of women of that age is that we were taught to rely upon and be dependent on men. Unfortunately, that limited our options.

[@catherineelainebaxter4609]

This is such a very sad story. But what came of it was the incredibly strong bond of three incredible siblings. And a mother who loved them irrespective of her treatment from an abusive man. Thank you for sharing this story

[@corinnefrusciante3706]

Veronica is an amazing and inspirational woman. Abused and victimised from the beginning yet she is positive and she seems to have such a calm presence about her. And despite all the abuse she strongly denied to move to South Africa because she was so strongly against apartheid. The reason her children didn’t continue the abuse cycle with their own spouses is largely due to their Mum. Rest In Peace Fiona, thank you for sharing your families story, it’s lovely to see how well adjusted and successful they all turned out

[@carlakenyon6073]

I stopped the violence in our family. Dad was awesome, mom, not so much. When she died I didn’t grieve her but I grieved the relationship I dreamt of

[@hollydoshier7195]

I also stopped it in my family. Like you, it was my mother. This experience also turned me against church's. Many years later I returned to my home town for the funeral of my favorite Aunt. While helping the ladies set up lunch for the family, several of them decided to tell me how sickening it was the things they saw my mother do at church. This pissed me off instantly. They had the nerve to bring this up in front of my 7 year old son who knew nothing about what I went through. I told them that they couldn't have been bothered by it to badly because no one bothered to help me. Instead they just watched. While those ladies sat there dumbfounded, my son and a I left and I have never been back.

[@suedireen5808]

Carla I could have written that.

[@norxgirl1]

Yes, my mother was also the violent one. A Vanderbilt educated Registered Nurse, on an academic scholarship, turned school teacher. She was valedictorian of her high school, an Unrecovered ACOA, who never learned to control her temper....or even really tried....addicted to her rage I guess.....

[@victoriousvalentine9779]

@Holly Doshier I am so sorry you have endured this. I have been through something a little similar but did not have your courage to speak to the congregation members as you did. It warms my heart that you are so protective of your little boy.. obviously you will not perpetuate crimes against children in your family .. may the rest of your life be truly blessed

[@Annie-ZA]

Same here!

[@susannaude8514]

Terribly sad. My heart goes out to the Mother of this little family, who kept them together, who kept them safe, and who outlived her beautiful daughter. I wish you peace, all the Richardsons.

[@sarahallenhumboldt2638]

Kept them safe? They have all been through living Hell, and are now beginning to deal with the wreckage of their lives, horrors created by the choices their mother made.

[@BellaWorldAni]

My heart really goes out to this entire family. The brothers' pain, still so raw after all these years, hit me hardest. I hope anyone who has endured this kind of trauma seeks counseling and support, b/c they deserve healing. May the day come when stories like this no longer need to be told, b/c they no longer happen. Amen.

[@shananalexander9789]

Ani Bell That’s a sweet thought. Keep praying for it and I will too. 💖💖💖

[@QuietBloom]

Here here.

[@B6east]

Excellent program. I bow to Fiona, her mother, and brothers. When we become able to truth-tell about our experience, the onus is shifted to the perpetrators, and our yoke is lightened . Although we were conditioned to internalize the experience and NOT TALK about it, when we are able to do so -as this beautiful family did - it begins the journey of healing. I appreciate their charity in sharing the story as it will spark a healing journey for others as well. 🙏🏼 Namaste.

[@patriciakelly69]

Aww I’m so sad for your family. You are all amazingly brave to have given your permission for a story of such violence. Your sister was obviously an inspiration and I’m glad you decided to tell it. Thankfully you are all such beautiful people with a kindness that will inspire others to get out of a violent relationship. It’s the most difficult decision for a mother to get out of such hell as you were all experiencing. But she did it thank God. I wish Fiona will rest in peace ✌️. For you all I hope you can lay all those ghosts to rest and when life gets tough, talk to each other. Bless you all. Xxx

[@laurapeltier158]

What a blessing for your family to be able to talk about the past, feel the emotion, and experience the healing that it brings. I pray that it has brought you strength and courage and most importantly peace.

[@sienamars6186]

RIP Fiona Richardson. You were an amazing woman.

[@sarahdrenth1540]

yes. that announcement at the end shocked and saddened me. This is and will continue to be a very important cause for government and society more generally.

[@romlyn99]

Talking about violence in families and reliving the memories does help... Because you can hear the perspective of other people and sometimes you get a deeper understanding of what was happening. Being such a young child when it happened - it stays with you for the rest of your life... but it seems that it helped to heal with this family... and I am glad the cycle of violence has stopped.

[@suecathcart4687]

what a wonderful gift she left - the more we talk about real life situations like this, the more we will take away the shame from living them - RIP Fiona Richardson - thank you

[@nancydroll6523]

RIP Fiona, you were a true inspiration your words having reached the eyes and ears of Myself here in America, those words I am and your message will not be forgotten. Just like the message in the bottle placed in the ocean for someone to find later, words that stay with one and inspire you to go forward.

[@vaunniethayer1484]

So glad this family held together and were able to not repeat the past.

[@dellahicks7231]

It actually is quite amazing that out of the three children, there has been no domestic violence in their relationships. Where I live in Canada, we have a high instance of generational domestic violence occur.

[@vw2875]

Its been just over a year since your passing. We shared a birthday. Rest easy!

[@aprilstrongquill2019]

My mother always acted like my father was abusive n a drunk. All through my childhood I remember her as the abusive one my father never laid a hand on us. I remember my mother screaming her head off all the time chucking thing at my father like dishes or anything she could get her hands on. He use to play guitar n was in a band when he was young, our basement was full of old broken guitars that she broke on him, I remember seeing her hitting him with one of her guitars. But she switched her stories everyone believed her that my father was abusive. She ruined his life, she tried to ruin our, when I was only 14yrs old n still a virgin she told everyone including my father that I was a hooker n slept with old men for money, 14...14. Who does that????? Now she’s old n used n sick my daddy is dead. Now she cries around acting like nobody wants to be around her her children do not love her. She goes to church carries a bible n all. But but she steals money from the church she claims to help. All she cares about is money n her bad shopping habit. I could write a book about how horrible n abusive n how many lives this woman has ruined but why waste my time for nothing.

[@susanconstable3029]

I’m so sorry. Ghastly situation for you to grow up in. Xo

[@SusanSez1]

It can only be providence that Fiona was appointed as minister. It allowed some healing for the family and a further closeness. It also enabled Fiona to actually make a difference for other women and children. Really quite something. My heart goes out to her mom and her brothers.

[@florence1395]

Fiona Richardson did amazing work in bringing these horrendous situations to life. May she R.i.p 🌹

[@india1422]

Omg. I’m a survivor of domestic violence and this is so hard to watch

[@dawnwycuff7078]

I am also....I'm a stronger person then I was though. Its tough going thru events that can shatter you're lives and if you have children...well same thing

[@psleep4255]

India McMillan-Dickman me too. It took looking for a job after taking care of my mom for 10 years bc of dementia to face it. You can’t get a job in the US without social media. 45 years ago I moved 2200 miles away from my abuser bc he said he would hunt me down no matter where I was and kill me and everyone who was important to me. I believed him. Now I’m receiving counseling. I haven’t cried so much ever. I AM getting better. RIP Fiona for being courageous. God bless us all. 🙏🏻🙌🏻❤️🌻

[@patrooney2283]

Thank you for posting this!!

[@clutchcargo2419]

So sorry such a wonderful and courageous woman has left us.

[@wendyhannan2454]

Very sad 😞

[@Orion227]

When will we realize that alcohol is an anti-social drug, that devastates individuals and families and thus society. Couple that with an angry, controlling, cheating person and it’s a nightmare, devastating. So sorry for this family. This mother is amazing and I hope she has happiness now. I hope these sons have found healing, they appear to be the best of men. Violence is a choice, no excuse. Her son’s are an example of making such choices!

[@darrengal7938]

!!!!

[@B6east]

Yes, alcohol is often behind violent domestic situations. Drugs are too, but they aren’t accepted, promoted, and of course, legal. When are we going to see alcohol for all the havoc it wreaks ?

[@sharonc9552]

God Bless Fionas family....may she be resting in Christ's arms... Knowing what she began to do for women....may it blossom to Each victim reaching out... The healing she opened her brothers to.....touched me deeply.. In across the pond...in America.....but these heinous crimes exist here also ....unfortunately. Thank you for sharing this video. May it reach hearts in need... Blessings to all who read this.... May we all cry aloud to our Father God.....for mercy upon our fallen country's That have not done enough for these victims. In reminded of the horrid abuse & murders of a mum & her children set afire by her abusive ex partner....not enough done to stop his evil narcissistic soul. They should all wear ankle monitors made to come in weekly to police. Make their lives accountable by all measures of the Laws.

[@peggyhill7283]

Wonderful job Minister Richardson. R.I.P.

[@edmccaffrey1]

Domestic violence at any level is completely unacceptable. Please report the very first incident to the police, or minister, or anyone of trust immediately. Do not hide or bury any violence within the family, please!

[@JF-cr9uz]

Incredibly brave family and lady

[@elizabethwilliamson7373]

Depression is real after listening to video about Matthew Reilly-it can strike anyone, anytime, anywhere. I admire his attitude. People in America who lost family-Marie Osmond [son], etc. So talking about depression is good.

[@Ashley-Renae1989]

Not sure if any of you in Australia or New Zealand have ever heard the song "Independence Day" by Martina McBride, but it's about domestic violence, and the steps that a mother is forced to take in order to protect she and her daughter. If you haven't listened to it, please do. It's absolutely haunting and beautiful.

[@beverleybev7060]

sad, it all started with adultery, even more sad. I wish recovery to its fullest for the adult children

[@queenofwater8783]

I have, like most women, experienced sexual assaults. The worst was an emotionally violent rape (not physically violent) by my husband of 17 years whom I had adored and trusted. We cannot bury it as tempting as it is. We have to go back to the source of each wound and deal with it in order to be able to heal and move past it. I did this with a wonderful therapist. It took 3 years. I found EMDR therapy to be very helpful.

[@colleenpathe6897]

Beautiful story. She helped her family face the past so they could let go and live.

[@ellenadams7354]

Proud of her❣️ She helped her on family ❣️😓❣️ God Bless them all and God Bless the abused in Jesus Name ❣️

[@shananalexander9789]

Pauline Beck I don’t know why but for some reason I knew if I checked your comment that that would be what you commented. You shut up. People who say that are nothing but miserable people that are trying to bring everyone down with them because you have nothing and you are nothing. Don’t tell her to shut up😡. I didn’t see where she lowered herself to respond. Me, I don’t care!! No one tells me to shut up about God. EVER😡😡😡. You will be asking for forgiveness before you die too. That is if you don’t die quickly when you do die. Ellen I’m sorry I am just tired of demons That is all she is, a demon. Feel sorry for the poor thing. She has nothing or she wouldn’t be a DEMON TROLL. God exists. She will find out.

[@ellenadams7354]

Shanan, I'm terrible sorry but that wasn't me?😓 You sound very hurt & upset I'm sorry but, I never wrote anything rude. God Bless you ❣️✝️❣️

[@norxgirl1]

Really like the musical instrument and song/soft chanting....very appropriate....

[@FrancesMarionz]

Wonderful story of strong courageous people 🍂

[@alexajessop5590]

It's a brave person who will talk about family violence to everyone. My mother put up with DV from the time my brother was a baby. It got worse over time, and by the time I was ❤❤❤ about 8 years old, he returned. He told Mum he was frightened of me. Then she told him he was responsible for that in me. He left, and we never heard from him for a long time.

[@2ndhandSue]

What an amazingly strong and courageous family. You can read all the stories that you can find about domestic violence, but having the survivors of such tyranny tell their stories live makes it so much more raw and real. Having had no experience of this crippling way of life, I appreciate people who are willing to share their experiences of it in order to educate others. I will never understand how a man can wreak this kind of violence on his wife and children and live another kind of life altogether when he's in the spotlight. I would think this type of evil would be like a red mark on his forehead, but obviously that's not the case. They are master manipulators. It's sad that Fiona died when she did - having to leave behind a half-finished Ministry, but I just hope that those who follow her will continue to put an end to this monstrous blight on families. RIP Fiona.

[@redbeans0422]

She laid the seeds for others to also rise, come together and carry on this good work. ❤️

[@lizabethkane7044]

I truly empathize I also am a victim/ survivor of domestic violence, I'm a grown woman and I still struggle, trying to find forgiveness to those who have done us wrong, sometimes it's the hardest thing..🙏

[@adriannepeterson6347]

An incredibly brave family to reveal a 'worts & all', honest story. Kuedos to you all.

[@helendonohoe1575]

I'm very sad for you all could not much sorry I came from a domestic abuse I have brain damage from it and many more health issues

[@prettyastounding7924]

This is so sad. I was spanked a couple of times as a child, but now recognize the reality of emotional abuse. That has had a devastating affect on me as a woman.

[@teresafields-pena3373]

My deepest prayers to all and GOD BLESS ALL

[@paulinebeck4269]

If there is a god why would it make such nasty violent men. Stop praying it doesn't do anything because there is no god and you know it. the

[@tumbleweed1787]

That's quite a heartfelt story, Fiona's life ended too soon it seems.

[@robingagan6288]

I wonder why, how

[@znhurston]

What an amazing woman and family. So glad i watched this video. Does anyone the name of the. beautiful, haunting song that accompanied this video?

[@KhanAli-ty4sc]

sad story....but proud of fiona and her brother

[@lynnburkhalter1260]

I raised my daughter to know that she didn't need a man! She could make her way. I've never understood why so many women need a man. Each to the own.

[@carlakenyon6073]

Tears and time help

[@Annie-ZA]

WONDERFUL FAMILY ... brave men and ladies. 👌🤗🥰 🌈 Durban 🌍🌞🦏 South Africa

[@catmeow333]

Alastair, Hammish, Veronica, I’m weeping.

[@laquishalida3569]

a beautiful, sad and interesting story made more so by their childhood videos...

[@annazaman9657]

Richie was a horrible man. Veronica's mother was no better. Nobody was looking out for this fourteen years old child.

[@sarahdrenth1540]

of all of them Hamish is the one still carrying the burden of violence. it's so close to the surface, unreconciled. A very sad story all around. We who have not suffered cannot imagine that pain.

[@petalgirl9960]

Julie Sprik it is. But everyone needs to understand that domestic violence is very complex. It’s not as simple as just leaving. Let’s not victim blame.

[@petalgirl9960]

It’s not Veronica’s Mother’s fault. You are victim blaming.

[@birdyelke775]

Shamefully in many families, these violence and abuses happened yet omerta are highly kept instead of denouncing those act. And yes, in Africa every women in such conditions can count on their brothers and uncle to defend them. But having children on your own is survival even if one had a high paid salary.

[@gayeinggs5179]

You are lucky you got out. I am stuck there South africa

[@pepperpots1285]

I admire the fact Rosie Batty has made something good out of something so awful, she could have crawled under a rock and never been heard of again, fallen into a very dark place. She's doing an amazing job. All these women and men are that suffer this terrible life of domestic violence

[@roomum9829]

"You always have to have a man in your life". No you don't! And don't listen to anybody who tells you that. Lonely me sometimes wishes I did, but independent me loves that I can do life on my own and don't have to worry about treading on somebody else's toes, or worry about domestic violence. That I've done, to the point I was almost murdered by my sons alcoholic father, who I fled from with my baby in my arms running down the road barefoot, after I regained consciousness after a particularly brutal beating, while he stood in the doorway with a knife in his hand. He died at the age of 39 from alcohol related disease and I can't think of anybody more deserving of it!!

[@Nan-fi2he]

I'm wanted to talk about the mother ..If you were beaten by your mom and you didn't beat you're children you stopped one side of the cycle.. I know you married a male who was violent but I don't know if you understood that your mother sit you up in you're first marriage.. and you repeated it.. you didn't stand a chance.

[@SuzannePowell-fb6lw]

I dont care what so called experts say you never get over the trauma of growing up in an abusive family

[@redwoods7370]

God bless her soul.

[@jeremywentworth1833]

The father to these amazing people wasn't just a monster for how he beat Veronica and the boys he was clearly a paedaphile sleeping with Veronica from 14 . What sort of man at 34 thinks it's ok to sleep with a teenager is still a child he groomed as she stated..The mum Veronica is amazing inspirational infact. I never knew violence run in families maybe due to never witnessing it , I'm 53 my mum and Dad argued like cat and dog but never ever any violence . Hope Richie is down their burning with the other devil and his disciples.

[@TheIsla1234]

So sad. 👎💔💔

[@heksedansd.2919]

❤

[@SuzannePowell-fb6lw]

I have been right were you are mate no how you feel

[@destinyto1462]

Whats this property dispute between her husband and Fiona's mum? How sad! RIP Fiona

[@Sunflower-nx5en]

Can you please explain further?

[@ryankanton]

Destiny To Your comments does not make any sense at all. No one could understand what you are talking about.

[@destinyto1462]

Kiana Henry Oh I apologise! Its on the news that there is a legal dispute over property between the husband and Fiona's mother. To me, that's sad.. Fiona isnt here anymore.

[@destinyto1462]

danuta Explanation 👆

[@joycewilliams5231]

RIP

[@sharonmotteshead6490]

So sad

[@madelainebauer636]

I was abused at 12 by an acquaintance of the family. Joyce whose story I will post, helped me get through it along with my faith. Here is her story that I figured is worse than me and if she can overcome, so can I .kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5TFlnuMlpeXh5o

[@fainafaina1940]

Poor messed-up and man-dependant woman...

[@GrannySanny]

When a man rapes a woman he takes over her will. From then on she is unsure of her voice and her ability to make decisions on her own. She does not know she can say no and often is victimized again-either by him or other men. If she has had an unstable childhood, the decision becomes even tougher for her because she has never rightly found her voice to begin with. It takes a lot to get away and make different choices-she has to find her voice and her will to direct her own steps.

[@kristine8338]

Hitting somebody is never loving this person. Better not to laugh about it.

[@moimeself1088]

we came from Africa, so we brought domestic violence with us. what utter BS!!!! why suggest that DV came from Africa with them? this is not a unique story, even in Oz! JEEZ!

[@doreenjones5904]

What about the history of the slaves by the white people? If that wasn't violence nothing was! I think you are living in a bubble, might not of happened in your house but sure as hell happened all around you. Still happening not just in Africa. All around the world where women are dominated by men.

[@LuckyLucky-xp2sz]

@@doreenjones5904 no one is saying domestic violence does not happen in Africa. She said it as though it is peculiar to Africa and happens in every corner / home on the continent. And as though because they lived on the continent they took that behavior up. Its nonsense. I bet the white people here will not stop themselves in the truck and say hold on a minute did I hear that right? And genuinely say, I don't live on the African Continent yet my neighbors have this going on yet they have never been to Africa so why that bs. That would be a good thing for white people to do but no they will not question such nonsense and they will take it as a fact and not think through it. The next minute they will be looking at Africans and all black people in that light yet they have that domestic violence in the neighborhood despite the fact that they have never been to Africa. This is bullshit. Sometimes I wonder if white people really do have high IQ, otherwise they would be questioning some of the things they hear about black people. Bs.

[@electricdreams9446]

that's not what she meant. she meant it started where they grew up and it didn't change when they moved.

[@electricdreams9446]

@@LuckyLucky-xp2sz the narrator simply meant, they brought the family violence with them. As in, they moved house, they moved countries but it came with them. you don't escape your problems just by moving house or moving countries. it really had nothing to do with Africa, except they lived there.

[@sarahallenhumboldt2638]

She believes that the marriages of her children are free of violence. Who tells their family members that they are beating their spouse? It is a secret, and one of the last things an adult child would make known.

[@user-fc5bn6pt3c]

Hammish 🙌🏼

[@jodyross6185]

He was very tall, she says..6 ft...um..that's tall, but not very tall..maybe 6.4 and up, is getting to very tall..lol

[@heatherpike5230]

I think there's more to the story than someone's height

[@skmasturb-do6zu]

I hate family annihilatiors

[@TheKiwiwayne]

The cycle of violence in this case started with the grandmother so how stupid to make it a gender issue

[@Michelle-pc6gp]

What a ridiculous comment “tears are a sign of weakness in politicians”. I would not knowingly vote for any ‘politician’ that believed that.

[@doreenjones5904]

It was her own perception it doesn't have to be yours. 🤐

[@fevkin]

A lovely family who in spite of their privations have done well in their lives. A sad loss to the world