The community came together in solidarity last week when over 50 people gathered in Cannonvale on Wednesday for a poignant Candle Lighting Ceremony to honour those lost to domestic and family violence (DFV).
Organised by Whitsunday Counselling and Support as part of Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, the event sought to raise awareness and reflect on the ongoing issue.
Attendees included Mayor Ry Collins, Councillor Jan Clifford, Sergeant Gary Hiles from Queensland Police, Dr. Alice Harriott from Dancing CEOs and more. Together, they reaffirmed the need for collective efforts to combat domestic violence and create a safer, more respectful society.
More than 50 people gathered in Cannonvale last Wednesday for the Candle Lighting Ceremony, held to honour and remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence (DFV).
The event was organised by Whitsunday Counselling and Support as part of Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, which is observed throughout May.
Manager of Whitsunday Counselling and Support Sharon Parker said the day's objective was to come together to raise awareness and remember those people that have lost their lives due to domestic and family violence.
“While we know that violence can happen to anyone, the data for domestic and family violence is very clear, the people predominantly being killed due to domestic and family violence are women,” she said.
“As unpalatable as it may seem, gendered violence is real, with women significantly more likely to be victims of domestic violence and men more likely to be perpetrators.
“While governments have been working hard to make legislative changes to address the issues of domestic violence, and despite an increase of awareness in the general population, deaths due to domestic violence continue to rise, with approximately one woman being killed every four days.”
Queensland Police Service (QPS) Sergeant (Sgt) Gary Hiles spoke about how changing behaviours can result in a safer community.
“Not all disrespect towards women results in violence, but all violence against women starts with disrespect and harmful attitudes," he shared.
“Gender inequality and ingrained harmful attitudes and behaviours towards women are key drivers of domestic and family violence. We all have a key role to play to change the culture and challenge the harmful attitudes that underpin this form of violence in our communities.
“A safer Queensland can start with you, by taking positive action today, we can build a violence free community together, domestic and family violence is a community issue.”
Sgt Hiles also spoke on the QPS collaboration with the Queensland Government.
“The QPS are working closely with Queensland Government departments, the DFV sector and community groups,” he said.
“Taking action today and every day to build a safer Queensland. While police will continue to do everything possible addressing DFV requires collective effort. It cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone.
“It's everyone's responsibility to treat others with kindness and respect.”
Dr Alice Harriott from Team Whitsundays Dancing CEOs also spoke at the event, and expressed the Dancing CEOs role in DFV.
“Dancing CEO’s is the major fundraising event for Women's Legal Service Queensland,” Alice began.
“Women's Legal Service Queensland is an organisation that provides essential and critical assistance and legal advice to tens of thousands of women experiencing domestic violence each year in Queensland.
“The event, of course, will be lots of glitz, but while we're dancing and having a whole lot of fun, there will be women all across this state who are seeking and needing the Support of Women's Legal Service Queensland.
“That absolutely isn't lost on us, and that's absolutely our why. We are raising money for Women's Legal Service Queensland and raising awareness of the impact that domestic violence has in our community.”
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins, Sergeant Gary Hiles, Councillor Jan Clifford, and Manager of Whitsunday Counselling and Support Sharon Parker at the Candle Lighting Ceremony held in Cannonvale last week. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
Whitsunday Counselling and Support - Niamh Mulvihill, Alex Sambrooks, Charlotte Jones, Andrea Bradley, and Sharon Parker
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