BEAUDESERT community groups, businesses and residents are sending a clear message during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month that DFV is not ok.
Councillors to champion the cause
Councillors Jennifer Sanders and Kerri Cryer were selected as Council delegates to the Local Government Domestic and Family Violence Champions Network, known as ‘Champions’.
Cr Duncan McInnes said he had become aware of the high levels of DFV through his involvement with Neighbourhood Watch in Harrisville.
“It always amazes me how many domestic violence cases the police have had to deal with in the month before.”
“It is far more widespread in our community than what most of us realise,” he said.
Small walk for a big issue
The annual Beaudesert march that brings focus to the serious issues surrounding domestic and family violence will be staged on Sunday, May 25.
The success of last year’s event has resulted in more community organisations coming together to promote the 2025 march.
Spokesperson for the march organisers, Sarah Vuzem, from YFS, said the March Against Domestic and Family Violence enables locals to clearly send the message “Not In This Community”.
“We’re hoping for a big crowd to join us for the short walk which will start from the Beaudesert Police Station at 9.30am and finish 15 minutes later at Jubilee Park,” she said.
“When we arrive we’ll have some speakers who will address the crowd on the issues we are facing with domestic violence in our region and we’ll also put on a free lunch and refreshments for those who attend.”
The march represents one of the signature events in the Scenic Rim during May which has been designated as Domestic Violence Prevention month.
Candlelight Vigil
A Candlelight Vigil, organised by YFS, in collaboration with Zonta Club of Beaudesert, Scenic Rim Regional Council, Beaucare, and the Traditional Mununjali Aboriginal Elders’ Group, was held in Jubilee Park on May 10 in memory of people who have lost their lives to DFV.
YFS Client Services Manager, Sarah Vuzem said there have been many positive steps taken to assist DFV victims in the last few years, including having an embedded YFS worker at Beaudesert police station and changing attitudes.
Sue Scott from QPS urged people to take positive action today to make a safer Queensland.
Sarah shared the names of 18 people, aged between 10 weeks and 79 years who are confirmed as having died from DFV incidents since May last year.
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March Against Domestic and Family Violence
DATE: Sunday, May 25
TIME: 9am for 9.30am start
STARTS: Beaudesert Police Station
ENDS: Jubilee Park, 15 minute walk
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
