Gold Coast CEO on jetski ‘Journey for Justice’ proposes tough new law to crackdown on domestic violence

A Gold Coast CEO will embark on a solo jetski mission to advocate tougher laws cracking down on domestic violence offenders. Read her proposed solution

A Gold Coast OAM recipient will sail from Currumbin to Jervis Bay on a jetski to advocate new laws to crackdown on domestic violence offenders.

Gold Coast CEO of The Sanctuary Women, Children and Pet’s Refuge Simone Patterson is preparing to embark on a solo jetski ‘Journey for Justice’ before driving to Parliament House, Canberra to stage a red shoe demonstration.

The demonstration will honour the lives of the 36 women killed this year as a result of domestic and family violence.

Simone Patterson OAM (left) leads 'red shoe' demonstrations honouring the lives of women and children killed by domestic violence. Picture: Supplied

“I’m doing this because something needs to be done,” she said.

“Domestic violence here on the Gold Coast alone is nuts, the statistics are so horrible. At any given time we have around ten women sheltering at The Sanctuary, but it’s not enough. We absolutely need more resources because there are just too many people in need.”

The federal government has pledged to invest $925m to establish a Leaving Violence Payment, providing eligible applicants access to $5000 in financial support.

However Ms Patterson said more needs to be done to prevent offending in the first place.

“We need to do something that saves lives rather than running after the fact,” Ms Patterson said.

Simone Patterson will sail from Currimbin to Jervis Bay on a jetski before heading off to Parliament House to protest domestic and family violence. Picture: John Gass

“We need repeat offenders to be forced to wear ankle monitors and be held accountable for their crimes. We also need to prevent domestic violence related homicides by providing at risk women with safety devices, such as watches, that can alert authorities if they are in danger”.

“If it saves one or 100 lives, isn’t that better than burying people?”

Ms Patterson will depart from Winders Park, Currumbin on November 11.

However to make the journey work, Ms Patterson still needs to raise about $10,000 for essential safety equipment.

“Any help is appreciated, but I’m committed to doing this. I’ll make it happen one way or another.”

Originally published as Gold Coast CEO on jetski ‘Journey for Justice’ proposes tough new law to crackdown on domestic violence