Cape York youth show leadership in fight against domestic and family violence

Students from Cape York indigenous communities have been praised for the leadership they have shown in taking on entrenched attitudes to Domestic and Family Violence.

Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman met the students at the Stand Up Against Domestic and Family Violence high tea organised by AFL Cape York House in Cairns on Sunday.

“This high tea is a wonderful example of the young people here taking the lead, modelling the right behaviour and demonstrating that they will not tolerate or perpetuate violence,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We have seen so many examples of sporting clubs, businesses, communities and organisations stepping up and playing their role in preventing violence or supporting those who might be experiencing it.

“And I have to say that the AFL has really stepped up, at a national level and at a local club level.”

Ms Fentiman said domestic violence affected all communities across the nation.

“Through a collective effort we can change the cycle of domestic and family violence that has been kept behind closed doors,” she said.

“We are bringing it out into the open and shining a bright light on it.

“The Queensland Government is working to deliver on all 140 recommendations of the Not Now, Not Ever report, and we have made significant progress in legislative reform, enhanced services and community awareness and prevention.” 

In Far North Queensland, the Government has increased funding for counselling, court-based support and perpetrator intervention programs by $1.9 million, as well as establishing a Domestic Violence High Risk Team for the Cairns region.

“We have a long way to go before we eliminate domestic violence, but through events such as this we are bringing violence out from behind closed doors.” Ms Fentiman said.

“It is important that we acknowledge the progress we are seeing so far and continue to build on our momentum.”

Media Contact: Ron Goodman 0427 781 920