Queensland joins watch to prevent violence against women and children

Minister for Women, Shannon Fentiman is challenging Queenslanders to ‘call out’ behaviour which fuels violence against women.

In a speech today at the first Women of the World (WOW) festival held in Brisbane, Minister Fentiman will announce that Queensland will join the national ‘Our Watch’ foundation which works to prevent violence against women and children.

“I believe Queenslanders are overall a people who value fairness and respect each other. That is completely at odds with the fact our state has a huge problem with violence against women,” Ms Fentiman said.

“When we look away, or excuse people for violence or behaviour which demeans women, our community grows weaker. It is time we stepped up and challenged the attitudes that underpin violence against women and children.

 “This is the responsibility of the whole community and extends beyond just legislation and government programs to our living rooms, pubs, parks, streets, and schools.

“I want the next generation of young boys and girls to grow up in a state where they are equals and where violence and mistreatment of women isn’t tolerated.”

Our Watch is chaired by Natasha Stott-Despoja and was established in 2013 to drive nation-wide change in the culture, behaviours and attitudes that underpin and create violence against women and children.

A recent research survey by Our Watch showed that one in six 12-24 year olds in Australia believes ‘women should know their place’, and one in three believes ‘exerting control over someone is not a form of violence’.

More than a quarter of young people believe ‘male verbal harassment’ and ‘pressure for sex toward females’ are ‘normal’ practices.

The need to challenge and change attitudes that breed domestic and family violence was one of the central themes of Dame Quentin Bryce’s landmark report, Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an end to domestic and family violence in Queensland.

Membership of Our Watch signals Queensland’s intention to play a key role in a national movement to eliminate violence against women and children. Queensland, along with other states, will have input into the development by Our Watch of the National Framework to Prevent Violence against Women and their Children, which will bring together the international research, and nationwide experience, on what works to prevent violence.

Minister Fentiman's opening speech at the WOW Festival is at 10am today, Room 360, Y Block, QUT Gardens Point Campus 

Media contact: Alex Purnell 0437 336 232