What does it mean to speak up against violence—and what happens when you do?

When artist and writer Timba Smits challenged abusive behaviour on a London bus, he was attacked and left with life-threatening stab wounds. Fifteen years later, he shares the ongoing impact of that violence and why he wants men to take an active role in preventing it.

Opening Series 5 of In Conversations About Family Violence – You Do Not Have To Put Up With It, Timber speaks candidly about surviving violence, the uneven path of recovery, and how earlier experiences of being left without help shaped his determination to support others.

The conversation explores bystander intervention and its risks, men’s responsibility to challenge coercion and abuse, and the role of education and positive male role models. Timber also reflects on what strength means to him now: vulnerability, emotional honesty and the willingness to take responsibility.

An invitation to consider our own role in creating safer homes and communities—and how speaking up can begin in everyday conversations.

If you require assistance with issues around domestic and family violence, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Content note: Includes accounts of stabbing, strangulation and bullying, and discussion of trauma and family violence.

In Series 4, Episode 2 of In Conversations About Family Violence: You Don’t Have to Put Up With It, DFV Lawyers’ founder and principal lawyer Ms Carmella speaks with clinical psychotherapist Adriana about the therapeutic side of recovery from domestic and family violence.

They explore how trauma can affect identity, trust, emotional regulation and everyday life; how practitioners establish safety and rapport; and why meaningful recovery often requires sustained, wraparound support. The conversation also examines risk assessment, safety planning and collaboration between therapists, lawyers, police, courts and community services.

A candid discussion for victim-survivors, practitioners, advocates and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of healing after family violence.

Content note: This episode discusses domestic and family violence, trauma, coercive control, anger and homicide-related risk.

For more information visit or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Family violence recovery requires more than a legal response. In this episode, a family violence lawyer introduces counsellor Emma and the vital role of therapeutic and clinical support for people affected by domestic and family violence.

The episode frames how psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors can help clients stabilise, understand trauma-related responses and begin rebuilding their lives. It considers therapeutic care alongside legal processes, intervention-order matters, safety planning, law enforcement and court requirements—recognising that no single sector can respond to family violence alone.

Topics signposted include what clients disclose in therapy, the realities of trauma presentation, barriers to seeking help, evidence-based interventions, and the role of counselling support and reports in court-related matters. The episode is intended for people affected by family violence, as well as professionals, advocates and community members seeking a more compassionate, trauma-informed and multidisciplinary response.

Content note: This episode discusses domestic and family violence, trauma, fear and controlling behaviour. If you or someone you know is affected, support is available.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au