A candlelight vigil and march have been held and venues across the region turned purple to mark Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli, who spoke at the Cotton Tree event on Wednesday, thanked everyone who attended and urged locals to “stand in solidarity” with victims.
“Our community’s willingness to gather and march together sends a powerful message that domestic and family violence has no place in our community,” she said.
“When we stand together to prevent such violence, we are building a community which is a safer place for everyone.
“Our theme this year: Hear Their Voices – Speak Up for Women and Children, provides us with a sobering reminder that we live in a society where women and children bear the biggest impact of domestic and family violence.
“Each May, Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month looks to increase awareness and empower the voices of women and girls.
“It is also important for men and boys to reflect on and talk about the impacts of violence on women and children.
“Now is a time for a strong focus on preventing and stopping violence before it happens.
“This May, I encourage you to show your support by standing in solidarity with all who are impacted by violence.
“Wear your purple ribbon as a demonstration of your support.”
The annual vigil has been coordinated by Centacare since 2000.
Venues across the Sunshine Coast were also lit up purple, to mark the start of the prevention month.
City Hall, Foundation Place, Eddie De Vere, Kings Beach Fountain and Coolum Civic Centre glowed for the occasion.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Coast Libraries has a number of sessions available for library members during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
Library sessions
- One Billion Stars, May 2-14, seven sessions: Learn how to weave eight-pointed paper stars for a giant community display. Join Julia Quinn for a special hands-on workshop supporting the One Billion Stars project. Register for a session on Council’s Libraries website.
- Creating healthy relationships, May 6-17, seven sessions: Join the team from SunnyKids Ltd, for a supportive workshop to identify the subtle symptoms and signs of ‘unhealthy’ relationships and coercive control. Learn about the shark cage theory and how to address red flags behaviour. Register for a session on council’s libraries website.
- Sunshine Coast Libraries: Offers free resources including books, magazines, movies, music, free wifi, computers, technical and staff help. Libraries also offer an ‘Inclusion Membership’ where members do not need to provide ID or home address to become a member, making it more accessible to those sleeping rough or between addresses.
For more information visit council’s website.
Resources and contacts
In an emergency, call the Ambulance or Police on 000.
All incidents of violence should be reported to the Police. If there is no immediate emergency, you can report DFV to the police by phoning Policelink on 13 14 44 or make a non-urgent report of DFV by submitting an online form.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800 RESPECT for advice and support. This service is open 24 hours and provides confidential advice via phone or webchat.
You can also call: DVConnect Womensline (1800 811 811) or DVConnect Mensline (1800 600 636).
Visit the Queensland Government website for more information about what you can do about domestic and family violence and to search for support services on the Sunshine Coast or in your local area.
Centacare provides a range of specialist support services for women, children and families impacted by domestic and family violence. For more information, contact the Maroochydore office on 07 5430 9300.
Download the Be there App: A domestic violence bystander support app that gives you direct access to tools that empower, educate and support you to help someone who is experiencing domestic or family violence.
For more information about Domestic and Family Violence Prevention on the Sunshine Coast visit Prevention of domestic and family violence.
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