May Is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
Every year in May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVP month) to raise awareness surrounding the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence. Many events and activities take place across the state to show support and send a clear message that this form of violence is not tolerated. Domestic and family violence is often perpetrated in the home among loved ones and is one of the most serious human rights violations across Australia. Domestic violence is no new issue in Queensland, and it is an issue that continues to be on the rise. At Pullos, we believe more needs to be done to tackle this matter, both legally and as a community.
What Is the Purpose of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month not only brings awareness to this very serious issue, but it inspires ways to prevent further acts of violence within our state. It also aims to ensure those who are experiencing or have experienced domestic and family violence have access to help and support. People who abuse and/or use violence also need to take responsibility for their behaviour. Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month prompts abusers to seek help for change, both attitudinal and emotional.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month first came about when the Queensland Government requested an examination of the state’s domestic and family violence support systems. The Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence in Queensland was established, and extensive research was conducted across the entire state, resulting in the 2015 report, Not Now, Not Ever. Recommendations were made to the Queensland government concerning improvements to the current system, as well as the prevention of any future incidents. Despite seeing many of these recommendations actioned over the last few years, several are still being ignored.
Key Facts About Domestic Violence
To understand the scale and seriousness of Domestic Violence in Australia, below are several alarming statistics from Domestic Violence Protection Centre Gold Coast Inc to show the severity of this issue.
- One in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15
- Women are at least three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner
- Every year in Australia over 300,000 women experience violence - often sexual violence - from someone other than a partner
- Domestic or family violence against women is the single largest driver of homelessness for women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience both far higher rates and more severe forms of violence compared to other women
While the majority of those who experience domestic and family violence in Queensland tend to be women, men are also victims. Despite gender, any form of domestic violence is unacceptable. If you are experiencing domestic and family violence, you can apply for a temporary Domestic Violence Protection Order, until a magistrate decides the application for a full domestic violence protection order. You can also call the police on 000, or DVConnect Helpline for emergency transport and accommodation, as well as crisis counselling.
Events Surrounding Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month
Across Queensland, several awareness-raising events take place throughout Domestic Family and Violence Prevention Month.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month begins with a candle lighting ceremony to remember those who have died as a consequence of domestic and family violence. This remembrance ceremony is a time to reflect on the realities of domestic and family violence. You will find many organisations across the state hosting similar events to remember those who lost their lives.
Communities across Queensland host a variety of events throughout the month, from dinners, to art exhibitions and family days. The purpose of these events is to not only support and spread awareness as a community but to offer counselling and open discussions to those who have experienced domestic and family violence.
Advice from Pullos Lawyers