BATHURST is a community in trauma, says a local support worker.
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Bathurst Family Violence Awareness Group chair Annarelle Channing says the shocking deaths of Nadia Cameron and Elie Issa have left the city reeling more than a fortnight later.
Police last week confirmed Ms Cameron was killed by several gunshots and Mr Issa died from a single shot in an apparent murder-suicide.
Ms Channing said the incident had highlighted the important roles played by a number of community support groups in the city and urged anyone who was struggling with the deaths to seek help.
“It is hard. People are struggling with it and some are not sure how to cope,” she said.
“Lots of people can’t believe what has happened. While all the facts of what happened aren’t yet known, the reality is a woman [has died] violently.”
Ms Channing said the fact Ms Cameron and Mr Issa were public figures meant their deaths had impacted many across the city.
She said after someone has been through a traumatic experience, re-establishing a normal routine could held restore a sense of order and control in their life. She said if people knew someone who was struggling, practical support was a good place to start.
“Recognise they have been through an extremely stressful event and may need time or space to deal with it,” she said.
“You can help them find that time by offering to look after the kids or do the shopping.
“Encourage them to look after themselves by eating well, exercising and taking time to relax.”
Ms Channing also encouraged people to limit their exposure to media coverage of the event and, importantly, encouraged them to seek professional help if they were still finding it hard to cope more than two weeks after the incident.
Ms Channing said the community also needed to remember children who may have known Ms Cameron and Mr Issa would now be trying to make sense of what has happened.
She said after a traumatic event children could experience strong feelings of fear, sadness, guilt or anger.
She said they may find it hard to cope and it may take a while to come to terms with what has happened.
“These reactions will usually become less intense after a few weeks. Reassure the child,” she said. “When they’re ready, listen and talk with the child about the trauma.”
Ms Channing also advised people to encourage expressions of emotions and to enjoy activities together as a family.
She said the Family Violence Awareness Group had activated a Facebook page with snippets of information people may find useful at this time.
“When something like this happens people look for leadership, but when that doesn’t happen they are left with their own coping strategies,” she said. “They are left wondering ‘what am I meant to think?’.”
Where to go for help
* 1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
* Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
* Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
* Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 13 11 14
* Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
* Bathurst Family Support: 6331 7022