Awards recognise effort to stop domestic and family violence

The Queensland Government is looking for people who are leading the way in stopping domestic and family violence in Queensland.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said nominations were now open for the 2007 Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards.

“The awards recognise individuals and organisations with a demonstrated record of success in reducing violence in homes and among families,” Mr Pitt said.

“While any effort made towards preventing domestic and family violence is worth rewarding, the Queensland Government is seeking those people and initiatives that stand out and which can be examples for others to follow.”

Innovative projects, activities and events undertaken by individuals, groups, communities, schools, organisations and governments can be nominated in six categories.

“Too many families are affected by violence. The effects are long lasting and carry across generations,” Mr Pitt said.

“We want to recognise violence prevention achievements and also give hope to people affected by domestic and family violence by showing them that people do care and that help is available.

“I strongly encourage people to nominate innovative projects that help prevent domestic and family violence.”

This year’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards will be presented in Brisbane at the end of May. Nominations for the awards close on 12 March 2007.

The six award categories are: individual; partnership; community organisation; school-based prevention project; government; and Indigenous.

A category for Indigenous-specific initiatives was included for the first time last year, recognising the creative and innovative work that occurs in Indigenous communities.

Mr Pitt said the awards were a major initiative during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, which would run from 1–31 May 2007.

For more information about the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards, visit the Department of Communities website at communities.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280