New Queensland domestic violence campaign showcases community voices

Queensland is stepping up the fight against domestic and family violence by encouraging community campaigners to showcase how to help stop the violence.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman launched a community awareness campaign over the weekend calling on all Queenslanders to take up the Not Now, Not Ever challenge during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May.

“All over Queensland, in our workplaces, schools, sporting clubs, neighbourhoods and communities, people are rallying to put an end to domestic and family violence,” she said.

“The Not Now, Not Ever challenge is about encouraging communities to have their say and share their message about ways to tackle domestic and family violence.

“This campaign recognises that we all have a role to play in creating a Queensland free of domestic and family violence and that together we can change the culture, attitudes and systems that underpin violence in our community.”

Community groups, workplaces, sporting clubs and schools can take up the Not Now, Not Ever challenge by showcasing their own anti-domestic violence initiatives through range of available material, including downloadable posters, brochures and stickers, personalised poster templates and plaques.

The campaign also has a strong focus on engagement though social media, where community groups can post personalised graphics and videos on Facebook and other social media pages.

“It has been fantastic to see a number of community groups already take up the challenge, like Gladstone Women’s Health’s ‘Not in our town’ initiative, as well as companies like AGL, which has introduced its first domestic violence support policy,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Anybody can get involved in the Not Now, Not Ever campaign by participating in activities or posting images and short videos about their own initiative on the campaign website.

“Get online at www.qld.gov.au/notnownoteverto check out some of the initiatives of our grassroots champions or to find out how you can join the campaign.”

The Queensland Government provided more than $150,000 to organisations to stage almost 60 awareness raising activities across the state during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

The Not Now, Not Ever campaign is one of the initiatives in the Queensland Government’s recently released Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–26.

Ms Fentiman said the Queensland Government had also recruited campaign partners, including Brisbane City Council, Clubs Queensland, Queensland Rail, Queensland Police Service, Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast SUNS to help spread the message but emphasised that she wanted all Queenslanders to get involved.

Media Contact: Grace Williams 0404475088