She is not free, however, from unsolicited advice, not even free enough from our own woman on woman destructiveness, as if we didn’t have it bad enough. Instead of building each other up as women, we tend to tear each other down.

We are not free from violence, not free enough to be able to walk home alone, in the dark, without a care as to whom should pass by, sitting next to on the train, working alongside. 

The most recent atrocious crime, the rape and murder of Eurydice Dixon, bringing to light something long ignored, and something we all want to change, but are struggling to still: Violence against women. 

We are told that we, as women, should be careful about where we walk, at what time, be aware of our surroundings. What else are we do to for ourselves? We are not legally allowed to carry weapons, not legally allowed to have pepper spray. How are we to fight back, when statistically most of us lack the physical strength to match a man. How are we to defend ourselves against someone intent to do us harm? 

The latest suggestion about talking to our sons about the harsh topic of violence against women, is only a partial solution to a growing problem. It may help in the next generation, but not now. We need more, we deserve more. 

Suggesting we have to change our own behaviours and habits to protect ourselves is unfair and unjust.

We deserve freedom, freedom from violence and we need help in doing so. 

A recent report published in The Border Mail (‘New home care provider grows packages being delivered’, June 15) quoted Suzanne Miller from new home care provider Community Interlink suggesting that funded home care services provided through local government will be going in 2020.

This is factually incorrect. The Commonwealth government is currently reviewing how the funding and delivery of aged care services will operate after 2020 as part of its legislative review (the Tune Review). This does not mean council services will stop.

The Home Care Packages Program and the Commonwealth Home Support Programme will both continue to operate. The vast majority of Victorian councils are committed to funding, providing services and ongoing stewardship of community care now and beyond 2020. 

While there is some uncertainty about the long-term funding arrangements, scare-mongering by community and private providers to gain a greater market share of clients does not reflect the community’s best interests.

Public providers – such as councils – remain an important part of the home care service mix and will continue to care for our ageing community members for many years to come.

The winner of the letter of the week is Jason Voll, of Wodonga. You can collect your prize from the offices of The Border Mail at 1 McKoy Street, Wodonga. You can submit your letters for publication by sending to letters@bordermail.com.au.