Honours for champions of domestic and family violence prevention

Queenslanders leading the way to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence have been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in Brisbane today.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt presented 2007 Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards to six individuals and organisations from across the state.

“The awards are presented to individuals, community groups, schools and organisations that have developed successful initiatives which help prevent domestic and family violence,” Mr Pitt said.

“It is important that those who speak out about domestic and family violence, who support victims and who promote the right to be safe in your own home, are applauded and recognised.

“The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards are one way of honouring these dedicated people and the difference they are making in the lives of those affected by this form of abuse.”

The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards presentation is one of the key events held during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, which runs from 1–31 May.

Mr Pitt said Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month was about sending a clear message to communities that domestic violence was unacceptable and should not be tolerated for any reason.

“This year, the Queensland Government continues to target perpetrators during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month,” he said.

“Traditionally we have supported those affected by domestic and family violence – usually women and children – and of course we will continue to do so.

“But those who use abuse and violence in relationships – mostly men – also need our help.

“By trying to change the beliefs, attitudes and behaviour that sustain the violence, we can get to the core of the problem.”

The 2007 Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards winners are:

• Individual: Natalee Rauch – Rockhampton High School arts project

• Community organisation: Kyabra Community Association, Sunnybank Hills – for its women’s narrative project, Illuminations

• School-based prevention project: Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service – for its Healthy Relationships Project 2006

• Government: Coorparoo Secondary College – for its domestic and family violence prevention awareness-raising initiative

• Partnership: Mackay District Police – for its domestic violence training package

• Indigenous: Lena Passi – Women’s Shelter, Thursday Island

Highly commended certificates were also awarded to:

• Partnerships: Warwick Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy – for the Greater Understanding and Response to Domestic Violence (GUARD) project

• Community organisation: Seniors Advocacy and Information Legal Service (SAILS) and Community Minded Employment Training (COMET), New Farm

• Indigenous: Coen Safe Haven initiative – Local Community Project Group

• School-based – Moonshadow Health Arts – for youth expression sessions, Rockhampton

Mr Pitt said the award winners and other nominees were leading by example.

“They are excellent role models for the community,” he said.

“Congratulations to all of the winners, and indeed to everyone who was nominated for an award. “Their actions challenge each and every one of us to take a stand against domestic and family violence.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280