Now more than ever, we must say ‘Not Now, Not Ever’

The Queensland community is being urged to redouble its efforts to tackle domestic and family violence, as the state marks one year on from the landmark Not Now, Not Ever report being handed to Government.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said work to change the culture and attitudes which underpinned violence was the top priority for 2016.

Minister Fentiman announced $153,000 in funding for groups to hold community events during Domestic and Family Violence Month in May, following unprecedented levels of demand for the funding to raise awareness and prevent violence.

Dame Quentin Bryce headed the Taskforce which produced the Not Now, Not Ever report which put domestic and family violence on the public agenda.

“The report, the horrific murders of Tara Brown and Karina Lock on the Gold Coast, and Rosie Batty’s tenure as Australian of the Year created an unprecedented focus on domestic and family violence,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Across our state, we saw men and women standing up to say that this terrible violence will not be tolerated.

“2015 was a landmark year, but we cannot let it be the stand out year for community action. It must mark the starting point of a sustained effort to eliminate this violence from our homes and our lives.

“Just as we have worked to generate cultural shifts to change attitudes towards drink driving and smoking, we must introduce long-term actions to shape future generations in Queensland.

“The fact that so many Queensland groups are looking to hold events to ramp up community action on this devastating problem is a great sign.

“Ending domestic and family violence is everyone’s responsibility. Government cannot do it alone, it will take all of us working together to achieve this goal.”

Last week, the Government introduced Respectful Relationships education into the Prep-Yr 12 curriculum and earlier this week, Minister Fentiman teamed up with Our Watch on a campaign to raise awareness about sex and consent among university students during O Week.

The Government’s response to the Not Now, Not Ever report is the most comprehensive action plan to tackle domestic and family violence the state has ever seen.

The Government has already toughened up laws for perpetrators who breach domestic violence orders, given victims “special witness” status when giving evidence in court, established the domestic violence court at Southport, provided extra funding for support services to help victims and established two new crisis shelters. 

Media contact:  Minister Fentiman’s office: 0437 336 232