Mackay at heart of campaign against violent or abusive men

A family fun day at Mackay’s Caneland Park Soundshell is the centrepiece of today’s launch of the Queensland Government’s 2007 Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt, who is attending the launch, said the month-long campaign was specifically aimed at changing the behaviour of men who used abuse or violence in domestic and family settings.

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

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

“The month of May is the time for all Queenslanders to band together and take a stronger stand against domestic and family violence,” he said.

“The message of the 2007 Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Campaign is: Domestic and family violence. See the signs. Be the solution.

“While we know that men can also be victims, it is estimated that 98 per cent of perpetrators are men, so I urge all men who use abuse or violence to stop their unacceptable behaviour and seek help.”

Member for Mackay and Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month also targeted people who did not believe that domestic and family violence was an issue.

“Sadly, attitudes like that effectively condone violent behaviour from others,” Mr Mulherin said.

“Silence is dangerous, so I urge everyone to look out for the signs of domestic and family violence, speak out against it and be part of the solution.”

Across the state, Credit Union Australia (CUA) is supporting the month-long campaign by selling $2 key ring tape measures in its Queensland branches, with proceeds donated to the government-funded helpline for those affected by domestic and family violence.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280 or 0417 789 208
                      Minister Mulherin’s Office 3239 6350 or 0409 305 662