The Dark Side of Bali

There is a dark side behind the scenes of popular tourist destination, Bali. Many Balinese women are impacted by sexual and / or family violence. Over recent years, I have connected with a Balinese Lawyer, Budawati (Buda) who also runs the Bali Women’s Crisis Centre (Bali WCC).

As a result of my visits, and my increasing awareness of the issues confronting Balinese women fleeing family and sexual violence, a small group of colleagues and a friend provide support to the Bali WCC.

Buda provides pro bono legal services to women escaping family violence and who are trying to gain access to their children, who belong to the husband and his family. She does not receive any government funding or support for her work or for the Bali WCC. There are no social support services for women. There is not an actual refuge in Bali. Buda relies on ‘community women’, associates, her family and friends to accommodate women and children in crisis.

Buda is coming to Australia for 7-10 days in October to gather information and knowledge from sexual assault/ family violence agencies in the Geelong region.

Buda speaks very little English. To facilitate communication and maximise her learning experience, it would be invaluable to have an interpreter.
On several occasions in Bali, Novi, a young Balinese woman, has interpreted for me when I’ve been in various meetings and training with Buda. We are comfortable with and have confidence in Novi’s interpreting skills.

I invited Novi to come with Buda to provide an interpreting service, however she can’t afford the airfare. She is able to fund her passport, visa and any other travel costs. Novi will provide 24x7 cost free interpreting for Buda and others she meets during her visit.

To enable Novi to fly to Australia I would like to raise a maximum of $1,000 to help fund a return Garuda flight for Novi.

Any support would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks
Marilyn