Conference tackles domestic violence in Torres Strait

The Torres Strait community will come together over two days to find new ways to tackle domestic and family violence in the region.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said it was fantastic to see the community taking the initiative and getting behind Umi One, Mepla Way (One People, Our Way).

“This is an issue that affects every community, right across Australia,” she said.

“So it’s fantastic to see representatives from across every Island in the Torres Strait here to get behind this and say Not Now, Not Ever to domestic and family violence in their own community.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ending domestic and family violence, and we are looking at how we can provide services in local communities across the Torres Strait.

“But we can’t tackle this alone.

“Everyone has a part to play, and the leadership shown here in the Torres Strait is vital in ending this violence.

“Conferences like this are so important in helping to bring domestic and family violence out from behind closed doors.

“So we can all work together to remove barriers and tackle the attitudes and behaviours that feed the cycle of violence.”

Ms Fentiman said more than $1 million in annual funding was being invested in the Torres Strait to help tackle domestic and family violence.

“This funding goes to local organisations to run the shelter and provide counselling, so that when women make that brave decision to leave a violent relationship they have somewhere to turn to for help.”

The Lena Passi Women’s Shelter receives funding of almost $570,000 per annum while Mura Kosker Sorority receives funding of almost $550,000 per annum for counselling services.

As part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month $15,000 was awarded to Mura Kosker Sorority to develop a resource pack that can be used by volunteer groups on each island cluster for a localised domestic and family violence prevention campaign here in the Torres Strait.

“We want everyone to live free from all forms of violence, and this conference and the funding here in the Torres Strait is a step in the right direction,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Through forums like this we are able to improve our understanding of what works, and we will continue to consult with and listen to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Visit www.qld.gov.au/notnownotever to find out what people are doing to help end domestic and family violence and join the social media campaign at www.facebook.com/dfvpqld.

ENDS

Media Contact:                                Minister Fentiman’s office            3719 7511