Ex-Neighbours star Kym Valentine opens up about domestic violence past

Kym Valentine’s portrayal of Libby Kennedy on Neighbours made her a favourite with fans. But despite this professional success, everything wasn’t always so picture perfect offscreen. Here’s why.

Former Neighbours star Kym Valentine has been appointed to the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Former Neighbours star Kym Valentine has revealed for the first time her experience with domestic abuse after being appointed to the Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council.

Valentine, 42, has been appointed for a two-year term to the council which gives people with “lived experience” a voice in family violence reform, improvement of services and support initiatives.

The council includes people from a variety of age groups, cultural and economic backgrounds who share the experience of family violence.

“Just generally if you look at the definition of family violence it includes physical, psychological, emotional and financial and I have had at various times in my life experience with all these elements of domestic violence,” she said.

“There were moments when I was looking around for options and I couldn’t find many so I know what that feels like, it kind of feels like you are in quick sand and are reaching out for support.

“You wake up in a life you did not choose and that is terrifying to realise.”

Valentine made her name as Libby Kennedy on Neighbours and transitioned into a leading lady of stage with the hit musical Dirty Dancing.

However her personal life was not such a success.

“No one is immune to this, no matter what your background, and if there is anything that I can do to help shine a light on the options, the resources and the support that is available I want to be able to do that,” Valentine said.

With Neighbours co-stars in 1994.

Kym Valentine returned to Neighbours to play Libby Kennedy in 2007

“There is no shame in putting your hand up and saying, ‘this is not OK, I am not OK’.

“I have always wanted to go into advocacy work, it has been a long-term goal of mine, and it was just a matter of working out what was the right avenue was for me to take.

“I take this opportunity very seriously and I want to be able to help and to make a difference.”

Valentine said legal support was an area where she had required help during her times of trouble. She is now planning to study law.

“My issue was finding the legal support I needed. I found that rather limited and found there were gaps in the system where you don’t qualify for legal aid but you can’t engage a private lawyer and you are stuck somewhere in the middle,” she said.

“I have met a lot of people who had the same issue.”

The Victim Survivors’ Advisory Council was formed in July 2016 to represent all ages, genders, demographics and communities. It’s formation was a recommendation of the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Rosie Batty was the council’s first chairman.

The council includes representatives from a variety of age groups, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds who share the traumatic lived experience of family violence.

If you are in need of assistance help is available:

For confidential crisis support, information and accommodation, please call the Safe Steps 24/7 family violence response line on 1800 015 188.

For confidential phone help and referral in Australia, please contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

For a specialist LGBTIQ family violence service, please call 1800 LGBTIQ (1800 542 847) or visit withrespect.org.au.

For men’s referral service, please contact No To Violence on 1300 766 491.