Between January and March this year, 10,000 new domestic violence cases were reported in Queensland alone.
That doesn’t count the recurring issues or, as Bette Bonney, the chair of Warwick Strategy Group for Domestic & Family Violence Prevention, points out, most domestic violence cases still remain a secret.
Unfortunately, domestic violence does occur in our communities, so much so that Warwick saw a need for a confidential house to be provided to victims requiring short-term crisis accommodation.
The Warwick Safe Haven is used regularly, not just by locals, but by victims throughout Queensland.
Domestic and family violence is estimated to cost the Queensland economy $2.7 to $3.2 billion annually, although the social and emotional costs to our communities of this type of violence are immeasurable.
As May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the Southern Free Times is urging all residents to help eliminate domestic violence from our communities.
The Queensland Government is also committed to eliminating this violence through their ‘Act as 1’ campaign.
The Act as 1 message is a call to neighbours, friends, family members, work colleagues and community members to take a stand against domestic and family violence and to support those affected. Any one of us can be the one to make a difference.
You could Act as 1 by supporting someone you may know or suspect is experiencing abuse; holding or attending a local event or activity during May; talking about domestic and family violence with your family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues; and educating yourself on the signs of domestic and family violence.
The Southern Free Times would like to hear from agencies that help in the fight against domestic violence so we can profile your crucial services this month.
Please contact us on 0459 272 323 or editor@freetimes.com.au
Story: Rebecca Brown
In an emergency situation, please contact the police on 000.
Otherwise, local service providers include dvconnect on 1800 811 811 (24-7 crisis counselling), Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Service in Toowoomba on (07) 4639 3605, MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 (24-7) or social workers at Centrelink. All phone calls are confidential.
