Queensland councils will unite this weekend to send a powerful message against family violence in their communities.
Marches and rallies led by mayors and councillors will be held across the state this Sunday 11 October, as part of a local government campaign, titled ‘Safer Families, Better Communities’, to publicly condemn domestic violence.
Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) president Councillor Margaret de Wit said the latest domestic violence incidents were not isolated and police figures showed the crime was a growing scourge.
“As community leaders, we have a special role in all of this.
“We need to take a public stand against this all too common blight in our communities.
“Domestic violence touches all parts of society and all levels of income.
“More and more of us now know it is happening in our communities and now is the time to take positive and decisive steps to reduce it.”
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Brisbane City Council was organising a march and rally against domestic violence, starting at Emma Miller Place at Roma Street and walking to Reddacliff Place on George Street where an official ceremony would be held.
“Domestic violence is unacceptable and I encourage everyone to join local councils in this public stand on Sunday 11 October.
“I will be inviting representatives from the State and Federal Government, the Queensland Police Service, support groups and agencies along with local residents to join me in the Brisbane public rally against domestic violence.
“As an organisation, Council has a zero tolerance approach to this issue and for any individual experiencing domestic violence, be assured that there are support services available to you.”
The campaign, which will use #SaferFamilies to spread the message via social media, aims to encourage statewide solidarity in addressing domestic violence.
Donations for domestic violence services will be collected at the march and rally.
“Australian’s should no longer tolerate the silence and ignorance that has surrounded domestic violence in this country,” Cr de Wit said.
“All have a responsibility to prevent this ugly and loathsome facet of society from claiming any more victims.”
