Southern Downs Regional Council pledges commitment to domestic violence prevention

A regional Qld council has pledged to stand against the growing trend of domestic violence, and has committed to building a safer community. FULL STORY HERE.

Southern Downs Regional Council has pledged their allegiance to the Local Government DFV Prevention Champions Network. Photo: SDRC

The devastating effect of domestic violence has been formally recognised by a regional council that has pledged their alliance to prevention and a safer community.

Southern Downs Regional Council officially joined the Local Government’s DFV Prevention Champions Network on Wednesday, signing the ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ domestic violence pledge.

Warwick Daily News reported on the plight of domestic, family violence across the southwest region in June, unveiling a stark reality.

A number of brave women came forward to tell their story as a victim-survivor of living in an isolated area where DV was often intergenerational and overlooked in the community.

Mayor Melissa Hamilton said joining the network was one of the first initiatives of the council.

“I am proud that we took this important first step, raising awareness of the impacts of domestic and family violence on our community is an important role for council as community leaders,” Ms Hamilton said.

The former Palaszczuk government established the Domestic Violence Prevention Council to support greater community understanding about DFV and to challenge the values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours that excuse or perpetuate abuse.

Ms Hamilton, along with fellow councillors Russell Wanting and Sarah Deane, have been appointed as council’s representatives to the network.

Chief executive Dave Burges has also joined the network to ensure council can contribute to supporting the broader community in addressing domestic and family violence.

Originally published as Southern Downs Regional Council pledges commitment to domestic violence prevention