Domestic and family violence services bolstered in Cooktown

Vital domestic and family violence services in Cooktown have been given certainty with more than $2.4 million in funding over the next five years.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the Palaszczuk Government has delivered for the Far North with this continued funding certainty for the Cooktown District Community Centre.

“The community centre supports some of our most vulnerable people who are experiencing domestic and family violence to get their lives back on track,” Ms Lui said.

“This is a significant investment into one of our local communities and this certainty means they can continue to provide the necessary support to not only victims, but also to work with perpetrators to change abusive behaviours and break the circle of violence.

“Coming from a remote community, I understand the complexities in supporting vulnerable families and the importance of having access to vital services close to home.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the funding renewal continues the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to invest in vital services to help people in need get their lives back on track.

“Domestic and family violence continues to be a serious community issue which is why this government is continuing to invest in vital services to some of our society’s most vulnerable people and to help prevent future violent behaviour,” Minister Farmer said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ending the scourge of domestic and family violence and I want to encourage every community in the far north to get involved in this month’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month.

“I want every community in Queensland including Cooktown to help spread the message of zero tolerance and to let people know violence of this kind is never ok.

“There are events happening right across the state to encourage people to take a stand against domestic and family violence.

Funded for a further five years from January 2018, the Cooktown District Community Centre - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Violence Counselling Service will continue to provide support to women, men and children who have experienced or used domestic and family violence.

For more information on how to get involved in the month’s activities, visit www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth.

Last month the Queensland Government also launched a bystander campaign, urging bystanders to speak up about domestic and family violence. Visit qld.gov.au/dosomething to find out more.

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Media Contact:       Ron Goodman        0427 781 920