Important voices speak up in fight against sexual violence

The State Government has started a vital consultation process to develop a new strategy to stop and prevent sexual violence.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer met with key service providers and agencies in Cairns today, two weeks after the release of the Youth Sexual Violence and Abuse steering committee’s final report.

“When I released this report two weeks ago I said the next vital step was a conversation with Queenslanders about how to fight this scourge right across the state,” Ms Farmer said.

“That started today with a meeting of a wide range of service providers that have been tackling this issue in the Cairns region.

”We have committed $12 million to for new and expanded initiatives, and consultation like this will make sure this funding is targeted to programs that are supported by evidence.”

Ms Farmer will meet former Supreme Court Justice Stanley Jones, who let the steering committee and authored the report, as well as Cairns Mayor Bob Manning.

“Stanley Jones’ report will contribute to the safety of young people across Queensland for decades to come,” Ms Farmer said.

“And Mayor Manning has been a tireless advocate of the need to do more to prevent sexual violence

Ms Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government had already invested $1.2 million over three years for initiatives in West Cairns and Aurukun.

In West Cairns that has included the Friends Protect and Protect Me programs, that build the knowledge, safety and resilience of young people to help prevent them from being revictimized.

“So much work has already been undertaken in West Cairns and across this region,” Ms Farmer said.

“The effectiveness of that work is being formally evaluated, but I wanted to hear first-hand about the challenges that have been encountered and the successes achieved.

“I expect we will learn things in Cairns that will contribute to our strategy right across the state.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said he was proud of the way the community had pulled together to fight sexual violence.

“West Cairns was identified as having a significant issue with sexual violence, but this latest report shows it is a big issue right across the state,” Mr Healy said.

“The fact that we have invested in West Cairns means we have a knowledge base to build on when it comes to strengthening our statewide strategy.

“The Cairns region really can lead the way on this.”

Ms Farmer said it was important for as many people as possible to be involved in a statewide conversation about sexual violence.

“We will announce more on the process for that conversation in coming weeks, but we expect to reach out to many people throughout Sexual Violence Awareness Month in October,” Ms Farmer said.

“This will be an uncomfortable conversation for many people, but we can’t let a culture of silence about this issue stop us from finding solutions.”

ENDS 

Media Contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920