This Thursday, the Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC) will host a ‘Night of Remembrance & Candlelight Ceremony’ to commemorate those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence.
The May 4 event is being held at Orion Lagoon, from 5:15pm – registration not required.
DVAC is an Ipswich and Toowoomba based organisation which provides support services to domestic violence victims and raises awareness of the issues they face.
One in every six Australian women has reported experiencing physical or sexual violence in their homes and/or by family members, since the age of 15, according to the 2016 Personal Safety Survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Jordan MP Charis Mullen and Oxley MP Milton Dick are also supporting the Night of Remembrance & Candlelight Ceremony event.
“I am once again honoured to host this important event in our community with the support of the Domestic Violence Action Centre and Milton Dick MP,” Ms Mullen said.
“Please join us and show your support to help us end domestic and family violence in our community.”
Springfield resident June Tahata believes that the issue needs to be talked about more.
Caption: Image: June Tahata.
“It’s hard to speak up about domestic violence,” June said.
“It is associated with feelings that are indescribable, and when neglected, can end in devastating outcomes.”
If someone is brave enough to speak up, they sometimes then face a long court process that can take years, June explained.
“I understand this from personal experiences as a child and an adult the amount of courage and resilience it takes to end abusive cycles.
“Creating a local basketball association kept me busy and focussed on the greater things in life.
“If I can share words to anyone who is suffering domestic violence it is this: don’t give up, but don’t stay either.
“It’s better to be alone than to be abused in silence.”
Old phones offer lifelines
A charity that specialises in refurbishing old smartphones to be distributed to people affected by domestic and family violence is accepting phone donations through a local MP’s office.
DV Safe Phone works to ensure that everyone has access to a lifeline – a ‘safe phone’ – to call for help in their time of need.
To help with their service, Jordan MP Charis Mullen recently opened her office as a collection point for kind-hearted members of the community.
“We have received a heap of old phones, and these are now on their way to DV Safe Phone to be repurposed and gifted to victims of domestic and family violence (DV or DFV),” Ms Mullen said.
“My office continues to be a collection point, so please consider donating your old phones. I am happy to receive phones without their [original] boxes.”
For more information, please contact Charis Mullen’s office on 3447 9300 or email jordan@parliament.qld.gov.au.
If you or someone you know needs help with DFV, contact the Domestic Violence Action Centre on 1800 737 732 or visit dvac.org.au.
In an emergency, immediately call 000.
