Scenic Rim Councillors champion domestic and family violence prevention

Scenic Rim Councillors Jennifer Sanders (left) and Kerri Cryer at the DFV Leaders' Forum in Mackay this month

A call to further action on domestic and family violence (DFV) has been made by Scenic Rim's Community, Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Kerri Cryer following her participation in a forum in Mackay this month.

In a report to today's Ordinary Meeting of Council, Cr Cryer - who attended the DFV Leaders' Forum with Councillor Jennifer Sanders and 56 other representatives from 77 councils across Queensland - said local governments have an important part to play in dealing with this serious community issue.

“Every day, about 526 incidents of domestic and family violence are reported across Queensland - that’s one every three minutes,” said Cr Cryer who, with Councillor Sanders is a member of the Local Government Domestic and Family Violence Champions Network.

“With up to 80 percent of cases going unreported, the real number is much higher.”

The forum also included addresses by Minister for the Prevention of DFV Amanda Camm and Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) CEO Alison Smith, who reminded participants of the importance of council leadership.

A survey presented at the forum showed only 26 per cent of Queensland councils have a formal prevention strategy.

Scenic Rim Regional Council moved to join the Local Government Domestic and Family Violence Champions Network during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May this year and nominated 'Champions' of the local community to engage in DFV prevention activities.

"Our Council’s commitment reflects the shared responsibility of the entire community to take action against domestic and family violence,” Cr Cryer said.

"We have a number of initiatives, 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 support organisations.

"Council is also aligned with the Queensland Government’s 10-year Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026, which aims to change the attitudes that enable domestic and family violence to occur.

"Councils can play a significant role in creating positive change.

"As we move forward, I believe this can best be achieved through a ‘whole community response’ by working with other network champions within the DFV Prevention Council, implementing further training and engagement, and creating an effective campaign focused on raising awareness to no longer accept or ‘normalise’ domestic and family violence within our community."

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 in the 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.