Queenslanders take a stand against sexual violence
Published Sunday, 30 September, 2018 at 11:59 AM
Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Di Farmer
Minister for Women Di Farmer is urging Queenslanders to take a stand against sexual violence during October.
“Sexual Violence Awareness Month, which starts tomorrow, is an opportunity for all of us to show support for victims and survivors and to stand together against all forms of sexual violence,” the Minister said.
“Events will be staged across the state, providing not only an opportunity to raise awareness of the issue and its impact on so many lives but also for individuals to show support for those who have suffered and survived.
“This year the theme is #RespectMeToo and we need as many Queenslanders as possible to spread the message and to take a stand against sexual violence in all its forms, whether it be sexual harassment, image-based abuse, or sexual assault and rape,” she said.
“There are many ways of raising awareness.
“In Bundaberg there will be a Reclaim the Night event: in Cairns there’s a Lifting the Lid event, and in Logan there will be an art exhibition ‘What were you wearing’ at the Centre Against Sexual Violence.
“I want to recognise the work of sexual assault and women’s services across Queensland whose tireless efforts have, and continue to, focus attention on this important issue.
“During October we will be announcing a grants program to community groups and organisations to undertake community-based projects or develop resources to continue the conversation around sexual violence in the Queensland community.
“The grant applications will open at the end of October so I encourage people to visit our website then for more details.”
Ms Farmer said help was available for victims.
“Sexual Violence Awareness Month is also an opportunity to promote the support options available to people who have been affected by sexual assault and abuse,” she said.
“Sexual violence can affect anyone in our community, regardless of their age or gender. However, we know that women and girls carry the largest burden, with 1 in 5 women in Australia sadly having been the victim of sexual violence since the age of 15.
“We want all victims to know they are not alone, and that we hear them and support them.”
Ms Farmer also reiterated the Government’s commitment to develop a dedicated Queensland sexual violence framework.
“During October I will be announcing the names of a number of Queenslanders to be Community Champions to help raise awareness, to promote respect, and inform the development of a Queensland sexual violence prevention framework.
“The Government will also continue consultations with stakeholders about the best allocation of an additional $12 million for new and expanded services and initiatives I announced in late July.
“This will build on the work we have done to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and violence, to tackle other matters of great concern to Queenslanders such as cyber-bullying, and to implement the Government’s responses to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Youth Sexual Violence Steering Committee.”
On 2-3 October, Minister Farmer will be representing the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the 2nd COAG Violence Against Women Summit in Adelaide.
The first summit was hosted in Brisbane by Premier Palaszczuk in late 2016. The Summit is the final session in the national consultation process of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.
For information on a Sexual Violence Awareness Month event near you, visit
For more information about support for people affected by sexual assault or abuse go to www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/sexual-abuse-assault
For more information about the 2nd COAG Violence Against Women Summit visit https://www.pmc.gov.au/office-women/womens-safety/2018-coag-national-summit-reducing-violence-against-women-and-their-children
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