Domestic Violence: Recognise and Reach Out
Published 25 November 2020
They protect us from the sun and storms, now bus shelters are being used to help protect the Moreton Bay community against domestic violence through the ‘Recognise and Reach Out’ awareness campaign.
Mayor Peter Flannery launched the initiative in Caboolture with the Centre Against Domestic Violence CEO Holly Brennan, and co-chairs of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, Kay McGrath OAM and Bob Atkinson AO APM.
“Recognise the signs and reach out for support; that’s the message we’re sending through the community during the global 16 Days of Activism against violence,” Mayor Flannery said.
“We identified 48 high traffic bus shelters in every corner of the Moreton Bay Region to place the message front of mind, reaching on average more than 75,000 people per month.
“The ‘Recognise and Reach Out’ campaign will target three key audiences; people experiencing abuse, bystanders and people using abuse, through four different designs that will also be placed in Council’s customer service centres, libraries, museums, galleries and community halls.
“You’ll notice a QR code on the posters which takes you directly to a dedicated resource webpage for more information, including the different forms of abuse and where to get help in Moreton Bay.
“We hope that by shining a spotlight on this inexcusable abuse, we can help increase the number of people contacting local service organisations and police for support; for themselves or others.
“Creating cultural change takes time, so this campaign will be the first of several initiatives to raise awareness and address the issues of domestic and family violence in the Moreton Bay Region.”
With breaches against domestic violence orders in Moreton Bay rising exponentially this year, Centre Against Domestic Abuse CEO Holly Brennan said change was vital to save people’s lives.
“There have been more than 2,600 domestic violence offences committed in Moreton Bay this year to the end of October, that’s around 8 offences each day!” Ms Brennan said.
“That’s a horrific statistic when you consider how many more incidents must go unreported and the fact that domestic and family violence has increased in complexity through the coronavirus pandemic.
“Abuse and violence in any form is simply unacceptable, so if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence or abuse, please reach out.”
This campaign follows on from Council’s installation of 13 red benches, an initiative of the Red Rose Foundation, to encourage conversations within the community this year and a two-day regional visit from the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council in July.
“All of us have an important role to play when it comes to stopping violence in our community, workplaces and homes,” Ms McGrath said.
“Moreton Bay Regional Council’s campaign is encouraging more people to recognise their ability to be effective bystanders and to reach out and seek help; whether you’re experiencing abuse, witnessing abuse, or using abuse.”
“When we visited the region back in July, we learnt about the excellent work being done here by local organisations in the fight against domestic and family violence,” Mr Atkinson said.
“This campaign not only continues that important work, but it reminds everyone that help is available and that we all have a role to play in supporting those around us who may be experiencing domestic violence.”
Superintendent John Hallam, District Officer, Moreton Police District said the ‘Recognise and Reach Out’ campaign will help link persons experiencing domestic violence to additional avenues of help.
“The Queensland Police Service acknowledges the significant impacts of domestic violence across the Moreton community and the role of police, domestic violence partners and specialist services to hold perpetrators accountable and support victims of violence,” Mr Hallam said.
“Violence and abuse have no part in relationships.”
For information, services and support visit mbrc.qld.gov.au/raro or call:
- DV Connect Womensline 1800 811 811
- DV Connect Mensline 1800 600 636
- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
In an emergency, always call the police on triple zero (000). In a non-emergency, you can also lodge an online report if you’re unable to access a phone.