Bringing Domestic Violence Out Of The Shadows

Despite widespread advances in growing awareness and action around gender violence, its prevalence remains alarming. A universal scourge, there is a perception that the problem is ‘too big’ to fix.

A local woman is using her entrepreneurial network to bring domestic violence out of the shadows, with an inaugural event aiming to shine a light on the growing epidemic.

SHADES OF WOMEN is a first for Mackay, a gala celebration to champion women and the strength they bring to our community, but it is also an opportunity to bring about awareness and raise much needed funds for domestic violence.

Event Founder Jo Sainsbury said she was horrified when local incidences of domestic violence were brought to her attention. By supporting this event, you are helping a woman and her children to safety.

Breaking glass ceilings has never been a problem for Jo Sainsbury.

She knew that if she wanted to make it in a man’s world, she would have to surpass stereotypes to break gender bias. She founded Kickass Women to empower others to pursue careers in non-traditional roles, saying that women should feel as confident in work boots as they do in heels.

But it will be a different shoe Jo will be slipping on in May, as she joins other women from around Queensland to participate in Dancing CEOs, where brave business leaders will swap the boardroom for the ballroom in an effort to end domestic violence.

Jo was introduced to this event through her involvement with the Women’s Network Australia and said it really opened her eyes to the scourge of domestic violence.

“The figures were alarming, there’s no other word for it,” Jo said.

“It’s frightening to see the number of domestic violence cases brought before the court in Mackay every week, and there is a rising number of women and children living in cars because they have had to flee a dangerous situation.

“We know domestic violence is out there, but we tend to have our blinkers on. It pulled on my heartstrings and I knew immediately this is a cause I want to advocate for.”

Dancing CEOs supports Women’s Legal Service Queensland, who provide free legal and welfare help to Queensland women and their children at risk from domestic and family violence.

Despite providing over 38,000 services to Queensland women, currently 30% of calls cannot be answered due to resource limitations.

“There is no way to know when these women will have the courage or the opportunity to call again.”

It was a chance article read by Jo that ignited the idea for Shades of Women.

“It was a beautiful editorial talking about how different shades represent different women, how different we all are and that innumerous shades of colours reflect our unique diversity.

“Without giving away too much for the evening, we play on the colour concept of W.O.M.E.N with W being White, O is Orange, M Magenta, and so on.

“Given the event is to raise funds to support women in DV, the shades also represent the various stages of pain, the healing from dark purple to green and yellow of bruising as well as the shades of trauma that aren’t as visible and can project in different ways,” Jo added.

In addition to the event, Jo has created Escape Boxes, which will be donated to Mackay Women’s Services.

“When a woman flees, she sometimes has a small window of opportunity to escape,” Jo said.

“These boxes have been designed to support a woman through that first week of being on their own, to help get them back on their feet.

“Wonderful local businesses have donated items or sponsored boxes, which contain essentials like a cell phone and sim card, fuel and grocery voucher, sanitary items and more.”

Money raised from SHADES OF WOMEN will be donated to Women’s Legal Services Queensland.

Tickets can be purchased online - visit the Kickass Women Facebook Page (Event Page) to purchase.

Event location: Magpies Sporting Club Mackay | Saturday, 19 March 2022 from 6:00 PM

Jo Sainsbury has built a career from breaking gender bias as a train driver and entrepreneur

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