Sunshine Coast recommits to ‘Not Now, Not Ever’

The Palaszczuk Government has called on the community to recommit to ending domestic and family violence on the Sunshine Coast during Domestic and Family Prevention Month.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said that everyone could play a part to end domestic and family violence.

“During Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, I’ve been asking Queenslanders right across the state to recommit to standing against violence and to say not now, not ever,” she said.

“I’ve also been encouraging everyone to ask, what can you do to help prevent domestic and family violence?

“We know that 1 in 5 women over the age of 15 has experienced sexual assault, and 1 in 20 men.

“That means we all know someone, maybe more than one person, who is a victim of domestic and family violence, which is why we all have a responsibility to do something about it.

“Everyone can do something, whether it’s government, individuals, community groups or businesses.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $3.5 million in 2018-19 to services on the Sunshine Coast that support people affected by domestic and family violence, including referral services, crisis accommodation, mobile support services and counselling.

“We’ve also funded perpetrator programs which run eight times a year, to help perpetrators of domestic and family violence take responsibility for and change their behaviour.

“Just last week we announced more than $1 million for a new Sunshine Coast Domestic and Family Violence Service System Coordination Service, that will support police, courts, child protection and non-government organisations to work together more smoothly to get better outcomes for victims.

“However government can’t do this alone, and everyone in the community can play a role.”

Ms Farmer said that although domestic and family violence affects all genders and all communities, the vast majority of victims are women.

“The research tells us very clearly that negative attitudes toward gender equality and disrespect towards women makes violence against women more likely to occur,” she said.

“What that also means is that everyone in the community can take real action to help end domestic and family violence by helping to change community attitudes.

“Ninety-five percent of Queenslanders believe that all forms of domestic violence is wrong, and that’s encouraging.

“But what is concerning is that some people still hold some really concerning attitudes.

“For example, one in seven Australians think domestic violence can be excused if the perpetrator is sorry afterwards.

“A third of people think a woman is partly responsible for the abuse if she doesn’t leave.

“Fortunately most people don’t think this way, but we can’t be complacent and let these minority attitudes fester.”

Ms Farmer said that even small actions can make a difference.

“You don’t have to take on a huge commitment or project. It can be as simple as hosting a morning tea at work to raise awareness or funds for a local DV service, or even sitting down with your kids to talk about the importance of equality and respect,” she said.

“If you think someone around is a victim, please put out your hand to them and make sure they know you’re there for them, or help them find out how to contact a local service.

“Domestic and family violence affects every community in this state including the Sunshine Coast, and far too many lives have been lost.

“Together, we can change that – everyone can do something.”

ENDS

Media contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132