The Palaszczuk Government is calling on Queensland’s corporate sector and community organisations to pledge their commitment to acting against domestic and family violence in the state.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said she will bring together businesses and community organisations at a forum planned for 10 September at the Queensland University of Technology’s Gardens Point Campus.
The DFV Prevention Corporate and Community Forum: Safe at home, work and play will bring corporate and community leaders together with DV specialists to learn about best practice for workplaces, to share ways to change attitudes and behaviours, and importantly to commit to taking action against domestic and family violence.
“The fact is that the issue of domestic and family violence is so prevalent that everyone knows someone and probably more than one person who is affected,” she said.
“The Palaszczuk government has done more than any government before it to respond to the scourge of domestic and family violence, but this issue is too big for government to deal with alone – we need every part of the community to step up and be part of the solution.
“Our corporate and community sectors especially have an enormous capacity to reach people.
“Take for example Telstra – they have more than 30,000 employees, and they were one of the first corporate employers who stepped up and took responsibility on this issue.
“Their capacity to spread the message, to reinforce positive change right across all sectors of the community is just extraordinary.
“And they’re just one corporation – I’m calling on every business and organisation across every sector to step up to the plate.”
Telstra’s General Manager of Queensland Government Business Gaven Nicholls said it was important for all sectors of the community to collectively speak up against domestic and family violence and provide support to survivors.
“Telstra is a White Ribbon accredited workplace, and we are committed to making a positive difference in the community for survivors of domestic and family violence, particularly through our Telstra Safe Connections Program,” Mr Nicholls said.
“That’s why we are proud to be involved and contribute our voice to this important cause.”
Ms Farmer said Telstra’s Safe Connections Program showed how businesses could draw on their industry expertise to address particular aspects of domestic violence.
“We know that technology, particularly mobile phone technology, can be used by perpetrators to control and cause fear,” she said.
“As a telecommunications provider, Telstra has not only been able to support people experiencing DV through products like phones or pre-paid mobile credit, they’ve also used this opportunity to provide advice about staying safe when using technology.”
Ms Farmer said there were also countless opportunities for the community sector to make a real difference in this space.
Clubs Queensland has 2.4 million members across Queensland, which Clubs Queensland Marketing and Government Relations Manager Laura Bos said presented an immense opportunity to reach ordinary Queenslanders.
“We’re getting ready to launch our My Community Club Says YES to RESPECT campaign which we’re developing in partnership with a number of organisations who are working in this space,” she said.
“The campaign will include bystander education for club staff to help them know how to react when they witness or suspect violence, information on places to call for help on the back of toilet doors and making material about support services easily accessible.
“We want clubs to be safe environments for everyone, so we are taking proactive steps to ensure our communities are safe, and promoting healthy relationships as part of a healthy community.
“It also recognises that being a good member of the community means we take an active stance on issues such as domestic violence and fostering respectful relationships.”
Ms Farmer said the Corporate and Community Leaders Forum builds on the good work that’s already being done by the corporate and community sectors.
“Some businesses and organisations can make big commitments like Telstra and Clubs Queensland, others are just starting out on this journey.
“The message I want everyone to take home from this forum is that everyone can do something to change the conversation and attitudes toward domestic and family violence.
“Whether it’s early steps, or you’re well on the journey – we need you on board with us.”
To see how Queenslanders are taking action in the fight against DV, click here:
