Take a stand against sexual violence during awareness month

Queenslanders are urged to take a stand to show they won’t tolerate sexual violence during Sexual Violence Awareness Month in October. 

Minister for Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said sexual violence was unacceptable and needed to be eradicated from the community.

“Sexual violence can happen to anyone and it’s a violation of a person’s human rights,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Sadly, most people will know someone who has been impacted by it.

“Recent research found that more than half of women in their twenties had experienced sexual violence.

“Sexual Violence Awareness Month is a time for all Queenslanders to take a stand to say we won’t tolerate this violence in our communities any longer.”

Minister Fentiman said the State Government was committed to preventing and responding to all forms of sexual violence, harassment and abuse.

“Our Prevent. Support. Believe. framework to address sexual violence sets out our vision for a State where everyone lives free of the fear, threat or experience of sexual violence,” she said. 

“We are acting to address sexual violence and promote a culture of respect by strengthening laws against technology facilitated abuse, consent and mistake of fact.

“We’re significantly reforming our justice system to improve the experience for victims of sexual and domestic and family violence in response to the findings of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.

“Anti-discrimination laws are being amended to impose a positive duty on employers to ensure a safe and respectful work environment. 

“Respectful relationships education is being embedded in our schools, we’re increasing funding to sexual assault services and rolling out sexual violence liaison officers across the Queensland Police Service.”

Held each October, Sexual Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise community awareness and understanding of sexual violence.

A range of events are being held during the month so people can play their part.

Event details are available at www.qld.gov.au/svamonth

ENDS

Contact: Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719