Sunshine Coast residents and visitors are being urged to “show up’’ and “help change the story’’ by taking part in a range of activities marking Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month.
This annual initiative, supported by Sunshine Coast Council, aims to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control.
This year’s message is: “Every life matters. Together we can end Domestic and Family Violence”.
A range of events are planned throughout May, to highlight the support services available and send a clear message that violence in our communities will not be tolerated.
Centacare, the Sunshine Coast’s regional DFV service, is partnering with council to deliver the region’s annual march and candlelight vigil.
Residents are invited to join the community event on Wednesday May 6 from 4.30pm in Cotton Tree Park, to honour lives lost and support those impacted.
This free event is open to everyone, no registration required.
Community members are encouraged to wear a purple ribbon as a visible show of support during the month of May, available to pick up at related events and council’s service centres and libraries.
Strong community portfolio councillor Taylor Bunnag said Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month was a time to “show up for each other” and help make the Sunshine Coast a safer place for everyone.
“Domestic and family violence thrives in silence and isolation, and that’s exactly what we’re pushing back against this May,” Cr Bunnag said.
“Every life matters, and together we can help change the story on the Sunshine Coast.”
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Last year, Centacare provided DFV support services to more than 7000 women on the Sunshine Coast.
Services include court support and counselling via specialist practitioners embedded in police stations.
Centacare Sunshine Coast area manager Adam Beck said domestic and family violence was a widespread issue impacting individuals and families across Queensland and Australia.
“It’s not just a private matter that happens behind closed doors – its effects reverberate through entire communities,” Mr Beck said.
“And it’s important to remember that it doesn’t have to be physical abuse to be considered DFV.
“Coercive and controlling behaviours are never okay, and everyone has a right to feel safe and experience positive and healthy relationships.
“Whether we’re checking our own behaviours, starting open conversations with our friends and family, or supporting someone experiencing family and domestic violence, we can all play a part in making a difference.”
On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner and women are three times more likely to experience violence at the hands of someone they know.
Sunshine Coast Lightning DFV prevention ambassador Mahalia Cassidy said violence was never okay and should never be tolerated.
“Our Sunshine Coast Lightning team and I are proud to be taking a stand against domestic and family violence,” Ms Cassidy said.
“We stand with the victims and against all forms of abuse. Join us and show your support this May.”
DV Safe Phone, a non-profit organisation that collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to people experiencing domestic violence, will also attend the march and candlelight vigil.
Residents are encouraged to bring and donate any spare or unused mobile phones they have at home.
These ‘safe phones’ can provide a vital lifeline to call for help when it is needed most.
Throughout Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Sunshine Coast Libraries, in collaboration with Centacare, will host a combined Community Conversations and Community Art Display series to raise awareness, strengthen community connection and recognise the resilience of people affected by DFV.
Visitors can drop in to participating libraries to speak with Council staff, DFV sector workers and volunteers about where to access help and how to support others; and view a community art installation featuring decorated treasure chests, symbolising personal worth, dignity and the tools gathered through healing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, help is available.
In an emergency call Triple Zero (000). 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.
Other contacts:
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
Women’s DV Connect – 1800 811 811
Men’s DV Connect – 1800 600 636
1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732
To learn more about council’s commitment to prevention of domestic and family violence, visit council’s website.
