Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVP Month) to raise community awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) and to send a clear message that DFV in families and homes will not be tolerated.
There has been a recent push for the government along with the private sector, community groups and individuals to all work together to help prevent domestic family violence and to adequately support those affected.
The theme this year is “All of us together”.
By emphasizing this theme, it highlights the need for all levels of society to take action against DFV in order to achieve lasting cultural change. After all, whether you realise it or not, domestic family violence impacts every level of society.
If you are worried about someone, now is the time to reach out to help prevent domestic and family violence.
What can you do?
- Reach out to the victim and offer them support
- Let the victim know that support is available and point them in the right direction (See details below)
- In the event of an emergency, if an incident of domestic violence is currently happening, if anyone is seriously injured or in immediate danger, call police on Triple Zero (000)
- For all other domestic and family violence-related matters, contact Policelink on 131 444, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic and family violence – support is available.
You can contact DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days) or DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636 (9am-midnight, 7 days).
If there is an immediate danger and you fear for your, or someone else’s, safety, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for police.
For more information and support options, visit qld.gov.au/domesticviolence
Some other resources include:
Qld Mental Health Commission – https://www.qmhc.qld.gov.au/emergency-contacts
24/7 crisis services
Lifeline 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
1800 Respect 1800 737 732
Other support and information services
Alcohol and Drug Information Service 1800 177 833
Counselling online (drug and alcohol) 1800 888 236
Quitline 13 78 48
SANE Australia 1800 18 7263
headspace 1800 650 890
youthbeyondblue 1300 22 46 36
Veterans Support Service 1800 011 046
QLife (LGBTI) 1800 184 527
Griefline 1300 845 745
Grow Australia (support through peer groups) 1800 558 268
Qld Health – https://www.qld.gov.au/health/mental-health/suicide
Whether you are a victim of domestic violence or you know someone who is, REACH OUT. It could save a life.
LOVE AND COMPASSION MAKES THE STRONGEST FOUNDATION
