Redland City Mayor Karen Williams has joined women’s organisations to lobby the Queensland State Government for a domestic and family violence service in Redlands.
Councillor Williams told guests at International Women’s Day functions that the perception of the Redlands as a place of good fortune camouflaged the ‘scourge of domestic violence’.
“Women and children are being abused and they need the support that can come from a locally-based domestic and family violence service.”
Currently victims of domestic violence in Redlands would have to travel to Logan or Brisbane to seek help.
Cr Williams said the Cleveland and Wynnum magistrates courts issued four percent of Queensland’s domestic violence orders in 2010–11, more than the Caboolture, Cairns, Maroochydore, Toowoomba, Mackay, Roma and Emerald magistrates courts which were all supported by regional domestic and family violence centres.
“The unique geography of our city — including our island communities — strengthens the need for a dedicated local service.”
She said that while initiatives such as the Maybanke Association, which refers victims to services outside the city, did help, a dedicated local service was still needed.
“We need a dedicated service that delivers, coordinates or provides referrals for community education and information; court support and legal advice; advocacy; counselling; crisis support for women and children; perpetrator counselling and programs; supplementary support services; bay islands specific response mechanisms; safe crisis accommodation; and culturally appropriate support services.”
