EACH May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month, an annual campaign aimed at raising awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control, highlighting available support services, and reinforcing the message that violence will not be tolerated in the community.
The 2026 theme, ‘Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence’, comes as new figures show an ongoing and significant demand for support services across the state.
On the Sunshine Coast, SunnyKids is leading a coordinated community response throughout May, positioning the month as a critical point for awareness, prevention and action.
New data from the organisation shows the scale of demand is continuing to rise.
In 2024–2025, SunnyKids supported 3,607 individuals, a 30 per cent increase on the previous year.
The service also provided 8,262 nights of emergency accommodation and facilitated hundreds of referrals, reflecting increasingly complex and urgent cases.
SunnyKids CEO Kathleen Hope said the figures highlighted the need for sustained visibility and engagement.
“DFV is one of the most significant social challenges facing our community, and the impact on children is both immediate and long-term,” Ms Hope said.
“The increase in demand reflects the complexity of cases and the level of support required to create lasting change.”
Suncoast Community Legal Service (SCLS) CEO Marla Edwards said domestic and family violence was often hidden in plain sight, with more than 25 per cent of the organisation’s matters linked to DFV.
She said a recent panel discussion with MPs on the Sunshine Coast reinforced the importance of early intervention and collaboration, supported by more than 100 volunteer lawyers providing pro bono assistance.
“If we are serious about addressing domestic and family violence, we must invest in early intervention, education and collaboration,” Ms Edwards said. “Often the most important step is that first conversation, where someone realises they have options.”
Across the region, Centacare Sunshine Coast will again partner with Council to deliver the annual March and Candlelight Vigil on Wednesday, May 6 at Cotton Tree Park, with residents invited to gather from 4.30pm ahead of the 5.10pm march.
Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the event was a chance for the community to stand together.
“Domestic and family violence thrives in silence and isolation, and that’s exactly what we’re pushing back against this May,” Cr Bunnag said. “It takes all of us choosing respect and speaking up.”
Centacare supported more than 7,000 women locally last year through counselling, court support and specialist police-embedded services.
Area Manager Adam Beck said DFV included coercive and controlling behaviours, not just physical violence, and reiterated the importance of recognising early warning signs.
DV Safe Phone will also attend the vigil, collecting unused mobile phones to be repurposed as emergency devices for people experiencing violence.
Women’s DV Connect 1800 811 811. Men’s DV Connect 1800 600 636. 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732.