Sexual Violence Awareness Month 2021

October is Sexual Violence awareness month and it is a reminder to every Queenslander that we all have a role to play in ending sexual violence.

Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said October was a time to recognise our brave survivors and continue to look at what more we can do to prevent sexual violence in our communities.

“Sexual violence has no place in Queensland,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Sexual violence impacts all parts of the community however we know that women and children are disproportionally effected and represent the majority of victims”

“Tragically around one in five Australian women over the age of 15 has experienced sexual assault and this number is probably even higher as it it’s an offence that still remains greatly underreported”

“This month is a time to recognise the many survivors and advocates that have been calling for change to put an end to sexual violence in Queensland.

“I’m proud our government has listened and is taking action to keep Queenslanders safe.

“We have established the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, work is underway to implement the relevant recommendations from the Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report and we are in the final stages of developing our sexual violence prevention action plan -  but we know there is always more to do.”

Minister Fentiman said the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce is considering women and girls’ experiences across the criminal justice system and is due to provide its final report to Government on these issues by June 2022.

“So far, the Taskforce has received over 700 submissions from women and girls who have bravely shared their experiences and perspectives,” she said.

“I encourage women and girls who have experienced sexual violence to continue to make submissions to help the Taskforce understand how we can better support victims and hold perpetrators to account.

“Everyone deserves to be safe from sexual violence and this month is a good reminder for all of us as a community, that we all have a role to play in ending sexual violence - because enough is enough.”

Help and support is available for anyone impacted by sexual violence. Contact:

• Sexual Assault Helpline (www.dvconnect.org/sexual-assault-helpline/) on 1800 010 120 (7.30am to 11.30pm, 7 days a week)
• 1800 Respect (www.1800respect.org.au) on 1800 737 732 (24/7 telephone and online crisis support)
• Lifeline (www.lifeline.org.au) on 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention).

For more information on Sexual Violence Awareness Month visit:  https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/sexual-abuse-assault/sexual-violence-awareness-month.

Submissions to the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce can be made via the Taskforce’s website: https://www.womenstaskforce.qld.gov.au/

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719