FRONTLINE domestic violence services are under mounting pressure, with demand for support skyrocketing as we pause to mark Domestic and Family Violence Month.
Women’s Health and Equality Queensland (WHEQ) said it hds recorded a staggering 76 per cent increase in demand for counselling services in just the past six months, highlighting the scale and urgency of the issue facing Queensland communities.
WHEQ CEO Balveen Ajimal said Queensland had reached a critical time when it came to this kind of violence.
“In an environment of crisis and growing need to support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, it is critical that the sector and its supporters come together to improve prevention strategies and outcomes,” Ms Ajimal said.
“We face significant challenges, and bringing people together in this way helps inform how we deliver the healing and recovery services that women and children are seeking in increasing numbers.”
Following local events including candlelight vigils aimed at raising awareness about domestic and family violence and standing in solidarity with victim-survivors across the region, Zonta Club of Ipswich President Jane Reid said it was vital to keep the conversation around domestic and family violence at the forefront of the community.
“Community events like these play an important role in ensuring domestic and family violence continues to be a topic of discussion and action,” Ms Reid said.
“It is an opportunity to remember those who have been lost and to stand in solidarity with their families, friends and communities.”
Ms Reid said domestic and family violence continued to impact women and children across the region and called on the community to play an active role in prevention and awareness.
“It is essential that we work together to end violence against women and girls and build a safer and fairer future where nobody lives in fear,” she said.
“By speaking up, raising awareness and supporting one another, we can all play a role in preventing domestic and family violence – not only during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May, but every day of the year.”
She encouraged residents to support awareness campaigns, learn about domestic and family violence and technology-facilitated abuse, promote available support services and model respectful behaviour in everyday life.
Vanessa Fowler, who serves as co-chair of the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council and chair of the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation, said that while progress had been made, significant work remained.
“Everyone has a role to play in ending domestic and family violence. Bringing together frontline practitioners, survivors and families is vital to strengthening our approach,” she said.
Women’s Legal Service Queensland CEO Nadia Bromley said reform and stronger collaboration across services are essential.
“We must keep working to change the legal landscape in relation to domestic, family and sexual violence,” Ms Bromley said.
