2 Empowered Fraser Coast
RECLAIMING POWER THAT WAS TAKEN AWAY
“IT WAS A WHIRLWIND OF CONFLICTING EMOTIONS THAT WE HOPED WOULD BECOME A JOURNEY THAT BROUGHT HEALING AND EMPOWERMENT”
With Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month winding up for 2024, I was asked by the STAR News Group to reflect on how and why I became an advocate for domestic violence prevention.
Obviously the death of my sister Allison Baden-Clay at the hands of her husband led me on this path, but the decision to share Allison’s story with strangers was definitely not an easy one.
As a very private family, we had to consider the impact reliving the details of her murder would have on my three nieces.
It was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions that we hoped would become a journey that brought healing and empowerment. We are determined to ensure that Allison’s legacy remains a positive one.
BREAKING DOWN THE WALLS
Speaking about our story has become a form of liberation, a reclaiming of power that was taken away from Allison.
As I travel through regional Queensland with the Prevention Council, I know that with each speech and presentation I give, I am breaking down that wall of silence that surrounded Allison and ensuring that her voice is now heard.
The journey of speaking out is not without its pitfalls. Revisiting the trauma of losing my sister, dealing with feelings of anger, grief and sorrow can be overwhelming at times. It’s often exhausting, emotionally draining, and difficult at times, yet, for me, it is also a necessary step on the path toward healing and making a difference.
By telling Allison’s story, I can humanise the statistics which are so often heard but not seen as more than numbers on a page.
A FORCE FOR CHANGE
My goal is to ignite a call to action by urging bystanders to intervene, educating the community about our collective responsibility to speak out, to safeguard the most vulnerable and to hold perpetrators accountable.
The importance of education is central to my advocacy and a focus of my work within community.
Storytelling is a powerful way of educating and in turn, making change. It is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and hope, connecting at a personal level that is both relatable and necessarily emotional.
By sharing my story, Allison’s story, I aim to stir emotions, change minds, and encourage action.
Allison’s story is a force for change, a beacon of light that illuminates the path toward healing, understanding, and justice.
That is my hope.
Vanessa Fowler OAM
Vanessa Co-Chairs the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council alongside Bob Atkinson AO APM
Around 1 in 4 women have experienced domestic and family violence. According to the ABS, 23 percent of Australian women reported having experienced at least one incident of violence by an intimate partner or ex-partner since the age of 15. Around 120 people a week are hospitalised due to domestic and family violence
Original pride flag meant, this is Gilbert’s meaning, the guy who created the original pride flag. Happy Pride month!
BEHIND THE COLOURS
Gilbert Baker’s flag scheme has multilayered meaning.
Red for life
Orange for healing
Yellow for sunlight
Green for nature
Blue for harmony
Purple for spirit
RESPECT & GENDER EQUALITY WORK CONTINUES
In alignment with May as DV Prevention Month, The Prevention Council are delighted to announce that we have formed a new partnership with the Star Media Group to support their Road to Respect campaign.
Star Media Group publish 13 regional weekly news titles in Queensland and their Road to Respect campaign includes a commitment to print a monthly educational 4 to 8 page lift out in all Queensland papers until December – to raise awareness of attitudes and behaviours which drive DFV.
Launched in April this year in the lead up to DV Prevention Month, the Road to Respect contains easy-to-read graphics and helpful information on the gendered drivers of violence (from Our Watch’s Change the Story), key statistics and local service providers corresponding to the paper’s region.
We commend STAR for their proactive leadership and enthusiasm in enhancing awareness of the gendered drivers of domestic and family violence, sparking conversations around gender-based violence across regional Queensland communities, and we are proud to forge an exciting new partnership to further these conversations.
Domestic violence is not confined to only May or any other short term time frame. It exists 24/7 every day of the year and it is critical that the momentum and urgency around conversations about respect and gender equality continues. We look forward to working with the Star Media Group to do this important work which makes our communities better, fairer and safer places to live, work and socialise.
RECOGNISING AND RESPONDING TO
LGBTQ+ PEOPLES
EXPERIENCE OF DFV - FREE E-LEARNING AVAILABLE
The LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, Workplace Respect and Impact by Design partnered to create See, Hear, Believe - a free eLearning program designed to provide frontline workers with the tools they need to recognise and respond when LGBTQ+ people experience domestic and family violence.
More than 500 people - including local and interstate sector, corporate, academic and government (local, state and federal) representatives and private individuals - registered for the 28 May online launch of the program, which coincided with LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Day.
The self-paced course includes eLearning modules based on the real-life experiences of LGBTQ+ people, powerful video stories, short follow-up exercises and a digital hub for continued development and engagement.
Through its interviews with health workers, police officers, support services and community leaders – and with valuable insight from LGBTQ+ communities – it is hoped See, Hear, Believe will equip a generation of frontline workers with the knowledge, skills and training to identify and support LGBTQ+ victims and survivors.
DIVERSE VOICES FOR LGBTQI
Diverse Voices Queensland is one of the longest running LGBTQIA+ services in Queensland, operating for 40 years this August.
Situated in the heart of the Fortitude Valley, Diverse Voices operates the Queensland contract for QLife phone line and web chat, providing LGBTQI+ people with emotional and psychological supports and referral to needed services. The service is operated by peers with training in suicide prevention and other crisis interventions, supporting over 7,000 people per year. It also provides community outreach and engagement activities, regularly presents at conferences and other forums and delivers Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to its queer peer volunteer community and SafeTALK suicide prevention training to the wider community (including Allies) with an LGBTQIA+ lens.
Diverse Voices has identified rising numbers of LGBTQI+SB people experiencing domestic and family violence, or self-identifying that they are using violence and abuse in their relationships.
Visit the website to find out more about the organisation and its work, or contact enquiries@glwa.org.au to arrange a meeting or to invite them to present or consult.
FAIR MEDIA REPORTING ON VIOLENCE
Transgender and gender diverse people, like all people in Australia, are entitled to fair media reporting and representation on stories that include or affect them. How these stories are told affects societal ideas about the experiences of trans and gender diverse people, with real life impacts for this community.
Our Watch have released a guide to help journalists deepen their reporting on trans and gender diverse communities and contribute to a better public understanding of the challenges this community faces.
The media has a powerful role to play in challenging attitudes and beliefs that dehumanise or devalue trans and gender diverse people. It can also draw attention to discrimination faced by trans and gender diverse communities, and can counter harmful myths that shape how the public views responsibility for violence.
On any given day, across Queensland
267 specialist homelessness services (SHS) agencies were supporting almost 12,200 clients
almost 3,200 clients spent the night sleeping in crisis accommodation
ON ANY GIVEN DAY ACROSS QLD
over1,600 of these clients were young people presenting alone &
around 2,900 clients report having slept rough in the last month
Specialist homelessness services: 21 requests for assistance were unable to be met
over 3,900 were children in families that were being supported
Source: AIHW 2023. www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual-report
49 clients received support for the first time ever from a SHS agency
agencies closed 82 cases with 57% having stable housing outcomes
A Hidden Cause of Chronic Illness
This illuminating feature explores the connection between domestic violence and chronic illness, drawing on recent scientific research and interviews with medical experts and survivors of violence. Judges called it “a tremendous story on a new concept” and praised Jetter for “clearly articulating the biological ramifications of trauma.” Originally published in More Magazine in November, 2013.
2024 Yellow Rose Luncheon and Awards
The Zonta Club of Hervey Bay is hosting the Annual Yellow Rose Luncheon & Awards on Saturday 7th September 2024 to recognize and celebrate women in the Hervey Bay community who have made a significant impact on the lives of others through their employment, volunteer activities and associations.
TICKET PRICE: $89pp inclusive of: drink on arrival, entree, main and dessert (petit fours), entertainment, chance to win a special door prize.
RAFFLE PRICE: $5/ticket for a chance to win three amazing prizes valued at over $300 each!
About the Yellow Rose Award
The Zonta Club of Hervey Bay Yellow Rose Award is an annual event that recognises women in our community who have made a significant impact on the lives of others through their employment, volunteer activities, or associations. Many outstanding women contribute their talents and skills to improve the quality of life of others in our community. The Award seeks to honour these women and to provide visible examples to inspire the next generation of women and girls.
The Zonta Club of Hervey Bay dedicates this award in honour of the late Jennifer Ferris, former President, Treasurer and Chair of various committees of the Club, who embodied the spirit of a true Zontian. Her tireless dedication to Zonta, cheerful attitude and witty personality was an inspiration to many of us who continue our work of service and advocacy for women and girls in the community and beyond.
Since its inaugural year in 2022, the event has raised close to $7,000 which has allowed the Club to support various local organisations including Myriam Cottage, Bayside Transformations and J & T Helping the Homeless, Yoorana Domestic Violence & Resource Service Inc, and Hervey Bay Girl Guides.
Know an amazing woman making an impact on the lives of others in Hervey Bay? Nominate her for the Yellow Rose Award.
· Nominations Open: Saturday, 15 June 2024
· Nominations Close: Saturday, 13 July 2024
Click HERE to complete and submit Nomination Form online.
Alternatively, email servicezontahb@gmail.com to request for a PDF form.
For further information or to request a paper version of the application form, contact Tania on 0459 403 636 or via email at servicezontahb@gmail.com
Algorithm of Disrespect
A new campaign launched by the Australian Government called the Algorithm of Disrespect.
It includes an interactive tool that simulates an average young person’s social media feed to show the extent of which they are exposed to online harms, as well as conversation guides to show parents how to have productive discussions with young people about sort of content what they could risk being exposed to online.
Building safer pathways for culturally and linguistically diverse women Nationally
For migrant women living in Australia, the pathways to family violence-related support can be unclear. Strengthening community knowledge and confidence to use support services in regional Victoria is a two way street.
Making the Links is an innovative and collaborative project to link migrant women living in regional Victoria to mainstream family and domestic violence and sexual assault services by building capacity on both sides.
Making the Links: A Guide to Working with Migrant and Refugee Communities in Primary Prevention and Early Intervention
This best practice guide provides six key principles for the development of prevention activities for multicultural communities as well as early intervention actions on how to best support migrant and refugee women who are at risk of experiencing sexual assault.
Making the Links Podcast Series
The Making the Links Podcast Series is about sharing experiences and perspectives on how regionally based migrant and refugee communities can respond to, find support for and prevent family violence.
This training enables professionals and agencies involved with children and young people to gain a greater understanding of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).
It explores the sophisticated models of recruitment (‘grooming’) used to sexually exploit young people as well as teaching skills in assessment and intervention with the aim of protecting young people and preventing CSE within communities.
Level 2 - Understanding & Preventing Child Sexual Exploitation
Dates: 9am - 4:30pm, Tuesday 16th July 2024 Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete registration.
Location: Kal’ang Respite Centre, 133 Denmans Camp Road, Kawungan, QLD 4655
Catering provided
This workshop looks at the current body of research in both an Australian and overseas context and covers the following key elements:
• Definitions and exploration of processes of control used in CSE.
• Common risk indicators found to be present in cases of CSE.
• Examining stereotypes and the use of language when responding to CSE.
• The impact of sexual exploitation and the needs of young people when considering intervention.
• How to risk assess specific cases to enable an informed approach to intervention.
Level 3 - Practical Challenges of Child Sexual Exploitation**
Dates: 9am - 4:30pm, Wednesday 17th July 2024 Please arrive 10 minutes early to complete registration.
Location: Kal’ang Respite Centre, 133 Denmans Camp Road, Kawungan, QLD 4655
Catering provided
This workshop aims to support professionals and agencies involved with children and young people to gain a greater depth in knowledge and understanding of CSE and will cover the following key elements:
• Discuss challenges and barriers to engaging with young people resistant to change.
• Understand how to better support young people with additional needs.
• Develop an understanding of the potential for victims to become perpetrators, and potential ways to work with them.
• Suggestions and tips for dealing with disclosures of CSE.
• Potential resources and techniques for problem solving.
**In order to undertake Level 3 Training participants need to have completed the Level 2 training beforehand.
DFV Tenancy Resources for networks
Tenants Queensland (TQ) Domestic Family Violence (DFV) Sector Capacity Building Project is designed to assist workers supporting clients who experience DFV with tenancy issues.
Tenants themselves can contact 1300 744 263 for tenancy advice, see QSTARS flyer.
When you experience domestic and family violence (DFV), you have rights as a tenant.
To find out more use the QR code below to link to short videos on your rights if you want to leave, stay, there’s damage or you are listed on a tenancy database.
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Supports DFV workers to assist clients with tenancy issues and improve their housing outcomes with:
• Training on tenancy related DFV issues
• DFV Tenancy Toolkit - https://tenantsqld.org.au/dv-toolkit/
• DFV Helpdesk to work through your client’s tenancy issue
Sector Capacity Building Project 3832 9447
Helpdesk hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Mon – Fri RoseB@tenantsqld.org.au www.tenantsqld.org.au 3708 4833 dfvproject@tenantsqld.org.au
Free statewide advice service for tenants 1300 744 263
Contact Rose Brown, Project Worker to discuss training needs
“There is hope and help out there. Victims need to reach out to grab it”
- Domestic Violence Surviver
Guide to Reporting Domestic Violence and Coercive Control
Inspector Melissa Dwyer’s appearance on ‘The Divorce Course’ podcast has made a significant impact on listeners. As the Manager of the Domestic and Family Violence Vulnerable Persons Unit, her guidance has empowered victim survivors to take actionable steps toward safety and justice.
Inspector Dwyer explains the step-by-step process of reporting domestic and family violence, stressing the importance of victim survivors outlining details of domestic and family violence incidents to enable Police to undertake a holistic investigation. She highlighted important topics such as communication and follow up, safety planning, coercive control and the recognition and enforceability of protection orders nationally.
Call for Submissions - Criminal Justice Legislation (Sexual Violence and Other Matters) Amendment
Bill 2024
On 21 May 2024 Hon Yvette D’Ath MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence introduced the Criminal Justice Legislation (Sexual Violence and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 2024 into the Queensland Parliament.
The Bill was referred to the Community Support and Services Committee for consideration. The committee is required to report to the Parliament by 2 August 2024.
Objective of the Bill
The Bill seeks to implement legislative reforms arising from recommendations made by the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce (the Taskforce) relating to sexual violence, and the experience of women and girls as accused persons and offenders.
The Bill also includes a statutory review of amendments from the Taskforce’s reports (Hear her voice – Report One – Addressing coercive control and domestic and family violence in Queensland (Report One) and Hear her voice – Report Two – Women and girls’ experiences across the criminal justice system (Report Two)) to consider whether the amendments are operating as intended, and to gauge the impacts and outcomes for women and girls.
In addition, the Bill proposes to clarify the law as it relates
to the admissibility of recorded statements; in particular, committal proceedings relating to domestic violence offences.
Other Information
Documents relating to the Committee’s inquiry can be found on the inquiry webpage.
Public Briefing
The committee will hold a public briefing for the Bill on Monday, 10 June 2024. Details will be provided on the inquiry’s webpage as they become available.
Public Hearing
The committee will hold a public hearing for the Bill on Friday, 19 July 2024. Details will be provided on the inquiry’s webpage as they become available.
Call for Submissions
The Committee invites written submissions on the Inquiry from interested stakeholders and members of the public. The Committee would appreciate you passing its call for submissions on to anyone you believe might be interested in the Inquiry.
The closing date for lodging written submissions is 5.00 pm Friday, 5 July 2024.
Community Resources
