PCYC rolls out fitness program for domestic violence survivors across Queensland

A free fitness program where survivors of domestic violence train alongside a police officer and social worker is making an "enormous difference" for participants.

The RUBY (Rise Up, Be Yourself) program has been rolled out in Police Citizens Youth Clubs (PCYC) around Queensland.

The weekly exercise session is designed to empower women by building physical and emotional strength and fostering connections between fellow survivors.

One participant, who did not wish to be identified, said she was finding "confidence" and "more strength within myself".

She told the ABC “two months ago I wouldn't have been brave enough to speak to you, no way.

"I wouldn't ask for help at the start, but with [the social worker] offering us support, knowing there is support can help us with what we are going through.

"It makes me feel not alone with what we go through."

Mackay PCYC Branch Manager Kelsie Henderson said the class was a welcoming, safe atmosphere where women could easily link up with help.

Henderson advised “we've got a youth worker here and social worker.

"They are able to link up with these women and help them solve some of the dramas they may have.

"Myself, as a police officer on site, I can help them with the legalities of the court process, because that can be quite daunting for some people who've never been involved in that before.

"It can be a friendly face they've seen once or twice before and that reduces some of the stress involved in what they're going through."

Sergeant Henderson said she had witnessed women gaining self-confidence throughout the program, adding “we see women come to us broken, they're really struggling with life, they don't have any networks.

"They start to learn life is going to get better for them.

"By the time they leave us they have more self-worth, they're just generally more confident people when they walk out our doors.

"They know they've got someone they can count on to call when they need help."

Heather Lovett, Director of the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research, said non-traditional therapies like the RUBY Program made an "enormous difference".

Lovett advised "I often think that's where the difference can really be made, it's not just sitting in a counselling room.

"People need to feel comfortable and safe...but you've also got the people who can provide support while still getting the endorphins flowing.

"When you're feeling you're not alone and you hear how others have overcome adversity, you can come out the other side, you feel more confident.

"Domestic violence victims are dealing with legal, housing, financial, courts … and to have a group around you that's supportive socially, emotionally, but also can give helpful information on how they got through it … is incredibly helpful."

Images: RUBY program backers at Edmonton PCYC, from left: Constable Hannah Mulholland, Melanie Lizotte-Steponavicius (RUBY Coordinator Edmonton PCYC), Ellyn Wone (Personal Trainer, Ellevate Fitness) and acting PCYC Branch Manager A/Sergeant Paul Latter [top] and a promotional poster form RUBY [below].

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