Tuesday, 28 May 2024

 Kim O’KEEFFE (Shepparton) (13:04): I rise today to acknowledge an amazing and strong young woman from my electorate. Twenty-eight-year-old Lutfiye Kavci is a domestic violence survivor. Just weeks after the birth of her son, Lutfiye left her abusive husband and returned to live with her family, knowing she was unsafe and could not raise a baby in a home with domestic violence. Not long after leaving she was violently stabbed by her then husband. Her recovery in hospital took months. Her husband faced an attempted murder charge, and he has been found guilty and sentenced to 15 years jail and will be deported on release. Local domestic violence services have praised Lutfiye for sharing her story and seeking to empower other victims. Lutfiye said saying the words ‘I’m still here’ is powerful. These words are helping her raise awareness about domestic violence, and they carry an important significance for her. Lutfiye said:

… I am still in a lot of fear, but … I’m strong enough to be here going about my daily life and just continuing to be a mum, supporting my son and being a voice to …

other domestic violence victims. Speaking with Lutfiye, she is determined to keep telling her story. She said that it gives her strength knowing that she may help others. For my colleague the member for Mildura, who has also shared her horrendous domestic violence experience, it has been courageous finding her voice in the hope of also helping other domestic violence victims. It is deeply personal, and I know it has been a very stressful time. We are proud of you, and we are here for you. It is by women like Lutfiye and the member for Mildura sharing their stories that we know lives will be saved.