Brisbane domestic violence prevention champions honoured
Brisbane domestic violence prevention champions honoured
Sunnybank Hills, Coorparoo and New Farm-based initiatives have been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in Brisbane today for their efforts to reduce and prevent domestic and family violence.
Communities Minister Warren Pitt presented Sunnybank Hills’ Kyabra Community Association with the Community Organisation Award, and Coorparoo Secondary College with the Government Award, at the 2007 Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards.
New Farm’s Seniors Advice and Information Legal Service (SAILS) was presented with a highly commended certificate in the Community Organisation award category.
“The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards have been presented to individuals, community groups, schools and organisations that have developed successful initiatives that help prevent domestic and family violence,” Mr Pitt said.
“This is one way of honouring these dedicated people and the difference they are making in the lives of those affected by this form of abuse.
“It is important that those who speak out about domestic and family violence, who support victims and who promote the right to be safe in one’s own home, are applauded and recognised.
The Kyabra Community Association has been honoured for Illumination, a publicly available women’s narrative project.
“Kyabra’s narrative drew on the knowledge, images, stories, art and responses of women who have been affected by domestic and family violence to create an information kit,” Mr Pitt said.
“These very brave women reclaimed their lives and wanted to educate other women about the control tactics that can be used by a perpetrator.”
The Illumination kit consists of a booklet and 24 cards that explain control tactics and corresponding responses.
Coorparoo Secondary College was presented with the Government Award for an awareness-raising project that educated young people and their parents about the prevalence of domestic and family violence, the repercussions of violence and alternative behaviours to violence.
“Students were engaged via a series of interesting activities, including t-shirt design and information sessions with guest speakers. Tip sheets were also provided to parents,” Mr Pitt said.
SAILS, based in New Farm, was presented with a highly commended certificate in the Community Organisation awards category at today’s ceremony.
“Elder abuse is a growing concern in Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.
“Established by the Caxton Legal Centre in 2003, SAILS provides free legal advice, advocacy and social work support to people aged 60 or more who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, violence by family members or informal carers.”
The Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Awards ceremony is one of the key events held during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May.
Today’s awards ceremony recognised six winners and five highly commended certificate recipients in six award categories: Individual, Partnership, Community Organisation, School-based Prevention Project, Government and Indigenous.
Mr Pitt said the award winners and other nominees were leading by example.
“They are excellent role models for the community,” he said.
“Congratulations to all of the winners, and indeed to everyone who was nominated for an award. Their actions challenge all of us to take a stand against domestic and family violence.”
