Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Acceptable Behaviour

The Key To Breaking Domestic Violence Chain

Broken Ballerina Inc conducted its third annual Candle Lighting ceremony last Sunday at Eimeo Surf Club grounds in memory of murdered domestic violence victims.

The Mackay-based advocacy group has been established for five years with domestic violence survivor and founder Jules Thompson and husband Peter at the helm.

Their strong message to the community is “domestic violence isn’t acceptable for both men and women.”

Jules and Peter established the Broken Ballerina Foundation back in 2018 and commenced raising funds and awareness for survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence.

This was Jules’ way of helping victims as she faced her challenges alone and she wanted to show that there is a way out of the cycle and domestic violence.

Jules and Peter were joined at the Candle Lighting Vigil by committee members Maree Sturdy, Hannah McNamara and Queensland Police Service Domestic and Family Violence co-ordinator for Mackay District Rowena Lacey along with Whitsunday MP Amanda Camm, the Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.

Twenty year old Hannah – a survivor of sexual violence – joined Sgt Lacey and Senior Sgt of Northern Beaches Police Mitch Benson as guest speakers at the event.

The tireless Broken Ballerina committee help to support Jules in her mission of making a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence and disadvantaged people in our society.

Senior Sgt Benson expressed his gratitude for the invaluable role played by Jules and her organisation in assisting those in need.

“In regional areas like Mackay the Queensland Police work hard to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence. However sometimes we find ourselves confronted with limited services – it has been during these moments that Broken Ballerina becomes a lifeline for aggrieved persons,” Snr Sgt Benson revealed.

“Through their community engagement initiatives they equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to identify signs of domestic violence and offer support to those who may be experiencing it. Their work in prevention aligns with our overall vision of creating a safer community for all – free from the cycle of domestic violence” he added.

Sgt Lacey told the gathering that May is Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Month and an opportunity to raise awareness, encourage members of the community to support respectful relationships and promote a culture of non-violence.

“It’s up to neighbours and friends to support and protect victims and parents and teachers to work against the patterns which foster violence” she said.

Jules urged all parents to teach their children what is acceptable behaviour.

“I want to show people that whether they struggle with drugs or alcohol, if they are being abused or dealing with another traumatic situation, there is hope and there is help” says Jules.

Broken Ballerina committee members Jules and Peter Thompson, Maree Sturdy, Hannah McNamara and Sgt Rowena Lacey with Whitsundays MP Amanda Camm at last Sunday’s Candle Lighting Vigil for murdered domestic violence victims at Eimeo Surf Club

Queensland Police Service Domestic & Family Violence Co-ordinator for Mackay District Sgt Rowena Lacey with Senior Sgt Northern Beaches Police Mitch Benson

Broken Ballerina committee member and sexual violence survivor Hannah McNamara with boyfriend Adam Sane and her parents Marilyn and Paul McNamara at the Candle Lighting Vigil

Broken Ballerina supporters pay their respects at the Candle Lighting Vigil at Eimeo Surf Club

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