By Lucy Waldron
A series of events will be held in November by the Women’s Action and Advocacy Team (WAAT) to promote awareness and education about domestic and family violence (DFV).
With a particular emphasis on increasing knowledge about coercive control, which is soon to be made a criminal offence in Queensland, the events aim to enhance prevention and safety for the entire community.
Organised by WAAT in collaboration with the State Department of Women’s Safety and Violence Prevention, Warwick and Stanthorpe Zonta Clubs, Warwick Chamber of Commerce, and SDRC, the DFV Community Education sessions are suitable for senior students and above.
The keynote speaker for these events is Ms. Vanessa Fowler OAM, Chair of the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation. Vanessa’s life took a tragic turn in 2012 with the murder of her sister, Allison.
Since then, she has been instrumental in establishing the foundation, which aims to educate and raise awareness about domestic and family abuse. The foundation teaches individuals to recognize signs of abuse, including coercive control, and how to intervene effectively as bystanders.
Vanessa’s resilience and compassion have earned her accolades, including the 2019 Ipswich Citizen of the Year and the Queensland Winner of the Pride of Australia Medal. She was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2021 for her service to community organizations.
Joining Vanessa as a speaker is Mr. Robert (Bob) Atkinson AO APM, former Queensland Police Commissioner. Bob’s notable achievements include his leadership during natural disasters and his advocacy for multiculturalism and welfare support. He served as one of the Commissioners for the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Bob continues to contribute in advisory roles for youth justice and as the Chair of the Truth, Healing, and Reconciliation Taskforce.
While three of the events are free, there will be a catering charge for the breakfast event at Warwick RSL, which will focus on the impact of domestic violence on the workplace for both employees and employers.
The events will be held on the following dates and locations:
1. Thursday 9 November, 11am – Stanthorpe Civic Centre (Free)
2. Thursday, 9 November, 6pm – Stanthorpe Civic Centre (Free)
3. Friday, 10 November, 11am – Warwick Town Hall (Free)
4. Friday, 10 November, 7am – Warwick RSL Breakfast ($27.50, hosted by Warwick Chamber of Commerce)
To register for the events and find more information, visit WAAT’s Facebook page.
These events provide an opportunity for the community to learn about domestic and family violence, understand its impact, and explore ways to play a role in prevention. By coming together and raising awareness, we can create safer and more inclusive environments for all.
