In the first hours of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, a Brisbane court heard of allegations that brought the scourge into the city’s quiet streets.
A man from Stafford was accused of murdering his 69-year-old wife in a home that looks familiar to so many Queenslanders.
Its tidy front yard and well-kept gardens partly shroud a neat house.
Neighbours say the street is relatively quiet – just a normal scene replicated so many times across the state.
And domestic violence prevention experts say these types of allegations, while devastating, do not shock them – domestic and family violence can happen anywhere, anytime across the state.
Archbishop Mark Coleridge said that the Archdiocese of Brisbane was launching its Rewrite the Story: Let’s End Domestic and Family Violence campaign for 2017 to help promote discussion.
“We launched this campaign last year in May and it’s something we feel strongly about continuing,” Archbishop Coleridge said.
“We said last year in launching the campaign that domestic and family violence was, for a long time, hidden. It happens behind closed doors.
“Well, that’s still the case but we’re realising the scale of the problem and we’re Church’s resources and energies can help.”
The Archdiocese has established a website – www.rewritethestory.net.au – to provide details on resources that can assist those who require help.
“We have this fine agency – Centacare – that works on a daily basis with victims of domestic and family violence,” Archbishop Coleridge said.
“Centacare does superb work and they have real expertise in this area.
“We’re again approaching Rewrite the Story as a part of helping in a wider effort to expose this widespread problem.
“We’re very happy to work with anyone who is committed to doing something about domestic and family violence.”
The State Government is coordinating a website that lists community events for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month: https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/not-now-not-ever/not-now-not-ever-campaign/domestic-and-family-violence-prevention-month/events-calendar
If you need assistance, please call 000 immediately if it’s a life-threatening matter. DV Connect Womensline and DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636. Centacare Brisbane: 1300 236 822