Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is a community initiative held in Queensland each May to raise community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available to those affected.

The key aims of the month are to:

• Raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and its impacts;
• Promote a clear message of no tolerance of domestic and family violence in Queensland communities;
• Ensure those who are experiencing domestic and family violence know how to access help and support;
• Encourage people who use abuse and/or violence to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and seek support to change.

Domestic and family violence is about one person in a relationship using power to control the other person. This may include verbal abuse, emotional/psychological abuse, physical and sexual abuse, financial control, social abuse and stalking. Domestic and family violence is very common, and in Australia it is estimated that around 1 in 4 people are affected.

As a community we need to reinforce that violence against women and children is never okay and will not be tolerated. Everyone deserves to be safe and feel safe, and live free from the threat of domestic and family violence.  If you or someone you know is being affected by domestic and family violence, please don’t ignore your concerns, and know that help and support is available. If you are in danger, don’t feel safe or fear for someone’s safety, call triple 000 immediately and ask for Qld police.

For information and support for people affected by domestic and family violence, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

For information, services and support for people impacted by domestic and family violence, visit www.qld.gov.au/domesticviolence or contact DVConnect via:

DV Connect Womensline (24/7): 1800 811 811

DV Connect Mensline (9am to Midnight, 7 days): 1800 600 636

For confidential support and referral, including a 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention, contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifelife.org.au

For confidential support and referral, including a 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention, contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or visit  www.kidshelpline.com.au

For confidential advice and support, please do not hesitate to contact a trusted member of our school community. Help is available.

Leanne Watson

Guidance Officer

Student Wellbeing 

Enoggera State School - Thursday and Friday

lwats128@eq.edu.au