Episode 35: Lived Experience (Part 9) Ruth Clare – the effects of war on families

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Melbourne-based author and teacher Ruth Clare’s memoir Enemy has been critically acclaimed and described as “Weaving a striking personal narrative with a revelatory exploration of the effects of war”. 

Ruth is a survivor of childhood violence. Her father, traumatised from service in the Vietnam War, was violent and unpredictable.

In this episode of GET REAL Ruth talks about her journey of healing from childhood violence and understanding the connection with her father’s wartime service and his behaviour.  

On writing her memoir, Ruth says: “I kept waiting for the book that was like my story to appear…I kept waiting and waiting…and no one was writing about it…”. 

Ruth also shares openly and passionately about taking stigma away from the act of seeking help for mental health, being brave and her advocacy for the specific barriers that children experiencing violence in the home face in getting the support they need.  

CONTENT NOTE: If you’ve been affected by anything you’ve heard in this episode you can phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or go to www.lifeline.org.au 

Open Arms is a counselling and support service for veterans and their families with a 24hr phone line on 1800 011 046 and online resources https://www.openarms.gov.au/ 

You can find out more about Ruth at her website https://www.ruthclare.com/

ermha365 provides a range of mental health services designed to help people experiencing mental health challenges to thrive in the community. 

ermha365 provides mental health and disability support for people in Victoria and the Northern Territory. Find out more about our services at our website.

Helplines (Australia):
Lifeline 13 11 14
QLIFE 1800 184 527
13 YARN 13 92 76
Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467

ermha365 acknowledges that our work in the community takes place on the Traditional Lands of many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and therefore respectfully recognise their Elders, past and present, and the ongoing Custodianship of the Land and Water by all Members of these Communities.

We recognise people with lived experience who contribute to GET REAL podcast, and those who love, support and care for them. We recognise their strength, courage and unique perspective as a vital contribution so that we can learn, grow and achieve better outcomes together.