$150,000 to help raise domestic and family violence awareness

The Palaszczuk Government has awarded $150,000 in grants to 32 community organisations across Queensland to host events as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May.

Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said it was encouraging to see so many community organisations put their hand up to host an event to help prevent  domestic and family violence locally and to support community members affected.

“Every May, Queenslanders say not now, not ever to violence in our communities as they work together to raise awareness of domestic and family violence across Queensland,” she said.

“Ever since we began implementing the 121 recommendations for government of the Not Now, Not Ever report, we’ve seen more and more Queenslanders stand up and say domestic and family violence is not okay.

“Importantly, we’re also seeing the community supporting victims and survivors, and listening to people who need help and support.

“Domestic and family violence is an issue that sadly impacts far too many people and too many lives lost.

“That’s why we need everyone to play their part, and that’s what’s so great about having so many community groups and organisations hosting events in every corner of the state.

“It means all Queenslanders have an opportunity to reach out and get involved to help end domestic and family violence.”

Ms Farmer said in 2019, funds were being distributed to 32 community organisations to hold 33 awareness raising events, projects and activities.

“Each of these events send a clear message that violence of this kind will not be tolerated and that by working together, people can make a real difference,” she said.

“Domestic and family violence impacts every community, this year we especially encouraged applications for events that focus on domestic and family violence in the LGBTIQ community.

“Research shows that LGBTIQ people suffer domestic and family violence at the same rates, or perhaps even higher, than the broader community, and it also shows they can experience unique forms of abuse and may be reluctant to seek help which makes events tailored to the LGBTIQ experience so important.

“We also know that domestic and family violence has a devastating impact on too many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and funding is earmarked for events that raise awareness of domestic and family violence in Indigenous communities.”

Ms Farmer said $34,000 was being going towards supporting events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and almost $10,000 towards the LGBTIQ community for events.

You can follow the conversation on social media with hashtags #enddomesticviolence  #enddv  #NotNowNotEver

ENDS

Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132