Domestic and family violence prevention campaign targets men

Changing the behaviour of men who use abuse or violence will be the focus of this year’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month campaign in May.

The Department of Communities will coordinate the prevention campaign as part of its commitment to building safe, valued and empowered communities.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt will officially launch the month-long campaign on Sunday, 29 April, during a family fun day at Mackay’s Caneland Park Soundshell.

The day – sponsored by Seven Local News, Hail Creek Mine, The Daily Mercury, Mackay City Council, Mackay Port Authority, ABC Tropical North and Newlands Mine – features free activities and entertainment including Troy Cassar-Daley and popular children’s act, the Dorothy the Dinosaur Show.

Mr Pitt said Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month was an issue not only for women, but also for men and for everyone in the community.

“This is a time for all Queenslanders to band together and take a stand against domestic and family violence,” he said.

Member for Mackay and Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin urged everyone in the Mackay region to attend the family fun day.

“By supporting events and campaigns that aim to prevent domestic and family violence, we show that our communities are not prepared to tolerate abuse or violence in any form,” Mr Mulherin said.

In the Mackay region, the Department of Communities funds various domestic and family violence support services, including:
• the Domestic Violence Resource Service (Mackay and region)
• Whitsunday Women's Services
• the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research
• two crisis accommodation refuges for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

“These services all do exceptional work in providing counselling and support for people affected by domestic and family violence,” Mr Mulherin said.

Media contacts:     Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280
                         Minister Mulherin’s Office 3239 6530