Brisbane Church workers on the frontline of the state’s domestic and family violence crisis are calling on all Queenslanders to play their part to keep families safe this May. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Centacare Family and Relationship Services general manager Teena Ingram said they supported 30,000 people experiencing domestic and family violence last year.
“The latest figures reflect what our frontline workers at Centacare have witnessed for years,” she said.
“Behind every statistic are people who are being controlled, isolated or hurt – often for years before they reach us.”
Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay said domestic and family violence was “a whole-of-community crisis, which demands a whole-of-community response”.
“Our Catholic parishes, ministries, schools and community agencies play a vital role in prevention – caring for those who are vulnerable, promoting justice and fostering communities where every person is respected and safe,” Archbishop Mackinlay said.
Ms Ingram said coercive control laws in Queensland were a positive step.
“The change has helped the community understand that violence is not just a raised fist and it is so important that services like ours are ready to support the women and children subjected to family violence,” she said.
“This includes regional services, court support, counselling, housing and specialists embedded in police stations.”
Archbishop Mackinlay said Queensland’s theme, “together, we can”, highlighted that prevention was “shared work”.
“This Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, we are encouraging all people of good will to do their part,” he said.
“Throughout May, we are leading a coordinated program of events, education opportunities and resources to work together as a community of faith to keep families safe.”
FULL STORY
Brisbane Church leaders and experts call for united response to domestic and family violence (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
