Grants to bring domestic violence into spotlight

Thirty-one organisations across Queensland will highlight the scourge of domestic and family violence with their share of $150,000 in grants as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said events and activities were being scheduled across the state to help prevent domestic and family violence at the local level and show support for affected community members.

“In May all Queenslanders say ‘not now, not ever’ to violence in our communities as we work together to raise awareness, let victims know they are not alone and that support and help is available to them,” she said.

“Activities range from a march on Palm Island and a candlelight walk in Roma to the creation of a public mural in Nambour and wearing of ‘No to DV’ shirts in Mount Isa and Doomadgee.

“There is also a bystander intervention workshop in Nambour and the launch of a women’s rugby league competition in Murgon.

“These events are all designed to send a clear message that as a community we do not tolerate violence of any kind.”

Ms Farmer said 2020’s awareness month would promote partnerships and collaborations across the community to prevent and respond to domestic and family violence.

“It is heartening to see so many local organisations stepping up to do their bit to engage and educate others on what they can do to help prevent domestic and family violence and support victims,” she said.

“The recent horrific deaths of Hannah Clarke and her three children are a reminder of how crucially important it is to support women who have made the brave decision to leave a violent domestic relationship.

“Domestic violence is a blight on our society and the Palaszczuk Government is leading the way for the rest of Australia with its commitment to tackling the issue head-on and at all levels.

“My hope is that Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month activities encourage all Queenslanders to examine their own attitudes towards domestic and family violence and what they can do differently to help stop it in its tracks.”

Ms Farmer said the grants program reached a wide range of Queenslanders and this year  is focused on awareness-raising events in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer, people affected by a disability, young people and older people and those in rural and remote communities.

For more information about Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month events, stay in touch with: https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/swe/domestic-family-violence-prevention-month/events-calendar

Media Contact:  Jim Devine  3719 7336 / 0427 475 089