Domestic and family violence is the number one callout for general duty police cars in Mackay region and shows no sign of changing.
More than 1197 domestic and family violence incidences have been reported already this year causing Mackay Regional Council, Queensland, to ramp up its Mackay Draws the Line campaign.
May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month and Council has released a series of stickers to keep the message at the forefront of residents’ minds.
Mayor Greg Williamson has encouraged residents to show their support by displaying a Mackay Draws the Line sticker and attending one of the Domestic and Family Violence awareness events being held during the month.
The Community Programs team has worked with the community and the Mayor’s Domestic and Family Violence Taskforce to create a sticker campaign being rolled out across the region.
“We have small round book stickers with messaging created by our local youth groups,” the Mayor said.
“Youth from Sarina came up with the message ‘Shatter the silence, stop the violence’, which is what this campaign is all about – speaking out, condemning violence and asking for help when needed.
“There are also rectangular bumper stickers aimed at business owners (Ending Domestic and Family Violence is our business) and rubbish bin stickers that spread the message that we are drawing the line in our residential streets (Throw out Domestic and Family Violence).”
Executive Director of the Domestic Violence Resource Service, Dr Anne Butcher, encouraged residents to take their support one step further by attending one of the council-supported events being held in May.
“Events like the Women’s Service’s Mackay Says No Family Fun Day are all about getting together to raise awareness and work towards a safer, more caring community.
“The candle lighting ceremonies are more solemn and really bring awareness to the tragedy and injustice of domestic and family violence.
“They provide an opportunity to remember those who have suffered and lost their lives to domestic and family violence.”
The Mackay Draws the Line sticker campaign is an initiative of Council and the Mayor’s Domestic and Family Violence Taskforce with funding provided by the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services.
