Council signs domestic and family violence prevention
Published on 12 December 2025
Council has publicly affirmed its stance against domestic, family, gender-based and digital violence by signing the Scenic Rim Says ENOUGH – Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Commitment Statement.
Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor and Local Government Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council Network Champion Cr Kerri Cryer said the action aligns with Human Rights Day and marked the final day of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
"The timing is integral to Council's visible, long-term commitment to DFV prevention and safety across the region,” Cr Cryer said.
"Councils can play a significant role in creating positive change by demonstrating leadership and working alongside local services and our community to build a region where people feel safe at home, in public and online.”
The statement aligns with the Australian Government's National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022–2032, the Queensland Government's Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, and Council’s Corporate Plan values of service, resilience, respect and commitment.
It will be published on Council’s website and used across its communication channels to ensure consistency and clarity in workplace and community messaging.
Council joined the Local Government Domestic and Family Violence Champions Network during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May this year and nominated Councillor Kerri Cryer and Councillor Jennifer Sanders as Champions of the local community to engage in DFV prevention activities.
Cr Cryer said Council has a number of DFV-related initiatives in progress, including collaboration with the Beaudesert Community Lead Action Group, coordination of key events during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and partnerships with community leaders, police, and various support organisations.
"DFV prevention can best be achieved through a ‘whole community response’," she said.
Scenic Rim residents experiencing domestic and family violence can access support through several local and statewide services:
- YFS DFV Local Link, which operates in Beaudesert and offers crisis support and connections to relevant services. Call 0417 078 108
- Yourtown, which provides refuge and advocacy for women and children escaping violence in the Scenic Rim. Call 3368 3399
- The Scenic Rim Domestic & Family Violence Service and the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Prevention Centre which provide counselling, court support, and education programs. Call 5532 9000; and
- DVConnect which offers 24/7 crisis assistance via the Women’s Line (1800 811 811) and the Men’s Line (1800 600 636) with emergency counselling, referrals and access to safe accommodation.
In emergencies, always call 000.
Scenic Rim says ENOUGH to Domestic and Family Violence - together we can stay safe online, safe at home, and be safe together.
Attached image: Scenic Rim Councillors (from left) Marshall Chalk, Deputy Mayor Duncan McInnes, Jennifer Sanders, Kerri Cryer, Amanda Hay, Stephen Moriarty and Mayor Tom Sharp following the signing of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Commitment Statement. Cr Sanders and Cr Cryer are among Scenic Rim's DFV Network Champions who continue to drive awareness of this important issue.