S5 Ep 1 - Speaking Up Against Violence: One Man’s Story, Every Man’s Role

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.