One of the major strengths in the efforts to prevent domestic and family violence is that there is bipartisan political support at State, Territory and National levels.
As election cycles come and go, it is very reassuring to have the confidence that there will be strong political support in terms of the two basic main goals, firstly to prevent domestic and family violence to the greatest extent possible and secondly when it does occur to have the best possible response.
Whilst different governments may have their own priorities and approaches, those two basic aspects of prevention and response are at the heart of the way forward.
In Queensland, whilst the State Government has may lead the service system response, we are also fortunate to have a partnership program between the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, the Local Government Association of Queensland and a number of Local Government Councils
Statewide.
There are 77 in Queensland, and we hope to eventually have them all on board.
Whilst the support of Governments and our elected political representatives at all levels local, state and federal; together with Government Departments; the many fine frontline organisations; and the media are all essential, the frightening extent and harm caused by domestic and family violence is such that we
must all become involved to truly put an end to it..
At its most basic level, domestic violence happens because of the attitudes, beliefs and values which underpin the behaviours of those who perpetrate it.
Whilst anyone can be a perpetrator the unavoidable reality is that most perpetrators are men and most victims are women.
Societal change of the scale needed to reverse those attitudes, values, beliefs and behaviours can only occur if enough of us stand up to support that change.
We can influence it within our families, friendships, workplaces and organisations. Our ask is that you be
a part of it.
Probably won’t be easy and will take time but will be one of the most worthwhile and important things you ever do.
Bob Atkinson AO APM,
Co-chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council.
