Redland City will pause to remember those affected by domestic and family violence at a special ceremony on Wednesday 7 May.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, who will address the crowd at the Redlands Domestic and Family Violence Action Group event said it was a chance to acknowledge how domestic violence affected families across the community.
“Each year in Australia more than 100 women, children and men die because of domestic and family violence,” she said.
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“This is an issue that impacts families everywhere and the Redlands is not immune to the effects. In fact in 2010-11 the Cleveland and Wynnum magistrates courts together issued four per cent of Queensland’s domestic violence orders – more than the Caboolture, Cairns, Maroochydore, Toowoomba, Mackay, Roma and Emerald magistrates courts.
“This shows domestic violence is an issue locally, so it is important we pause as a community and remember not only those who have been lost because of this issue but also those who have been left behind.
“Domestic and family violence has long lasting effects on those impacted and it is time that as a community we said enough is enough it has to stop.
“This event will be hosted by the recently formed Redlands Domestic and Family Violence Action Group.
“This group does great work in drawing attention to and advocating for grater services for domestic violence in the Redlands with the ultimate goal to see a local domestic and family violence service established.”
Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary has been a long time advocate for local domestic violence support and will speak at the event.
“Domestic and family violence is not faceless, the victims have names; they are our friends, co-workers and family members,” she said.
“Often it is not spoken about, but this event is a chance to show that as a community we say no to domestic violence and I encourage everyone to attend.
Symbolism at the event will include red roses to represent that often domestic violence occurs in intimate relationships, while the lighting of candles will represent the women, men and children who have died as a result of domestic and family violence.
This event part of Australia wide remembrance ceremony and marks the beginning of Domestic Violence Prevention Month.
Event details:
Wednesday 7 May, 5.30pm
Raby Bay Harbour Park (near Cleveland Train Station)
