Sunshine Coast project challenges about domestic and family violence

A Sunshine Coast community service project is helping raise community awareness about domestic and family violence to bring the issue out from behind closed doors.

Stirling Hinchliffe, Parliamentary Secretary to Communities Minister Warren Pitt, today launched the Where you go, I go … Taking steps towards a future without violence project at Burpengary.

“This project aims to bring the issue out from behind closed doors to generate open discussion on healthy relationships and provide an opportunity for people to share their experiences,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The project’s title also has a strong and positive message that embraces the comforting feelings of partnership, support and hope.”

The Caboolture Regional Domestic Violence Service project is one of the many initiatives being celebrated across Queensland during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the project supported this year’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month’s message: Domestic and family violence. See the signs. Be the solution.

“Domestic and family violence touches the lives of people from all walks of life and the broader community,” Mr Pitt said.

“Domestic and family violence affects our friends and work colleagues and damages families, often over generations.

“One of the most disturbing aspects is that it can cause ongoing psychological damage to the children caught up in this cyclical violence.

“Yet surprisingly, many people are reluctant to speak out against it because they see it as a private family matter between individuals.

“We owe it to our families, friends and neighbours to speak up and not remain silent.”

Mr Hinchliffe said the Caboolture Regional Domestic Violence Service assisted individuals and families in Caboolture, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and Kilcoy shires.

“The service has a long history of providing counselling and intervention services, as well as raising community awareness about this issue,” he said.

“Last August, the regional service, police and other government and non-government agencies formed the Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence network.

“This network aims to build partnerships that prevent violence and respond with practical services.

“The Where you go, I go ... Taking steps towards a future without violence project not only builds on these partnerships, but also enables a collective and collaborative response to these issues.

“This project challenges the acceptability of ignoring violence or using violence in relationships and promotes the need for healthy relationships.”

Media contacts:     Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280 
                            Stirling Hinchliffe 0418 983 654