As winter made its appearance in Maleny last week, a group of 40 concerned citizens met in Tesch Park to remember victims of domestic violence. Sadly, at least one woman is murdered by her partner each week in Australia, and children and men are also affected.
As dusk fell, Sweet Chilli choir sang about the importance of not giving up, and invited dignitaries offered their perspectives on the scourge of domestic violence in our communities. Winston Johnson, local Sunshine Coast Councillor, spoke about how common domestic violence is, and the importance of speaking out.
Dr Karen Struthers spoke about the negative effects of many men’s attitudes towards women, as the basis of much domestic violence and how we can support each other. Sergeant Maria O’Brien, from the Vulnerable Persons Unit – QPS, outlined the extensive measures police are now taking to improve their approach to the issue.
The park was then illuminated by the candles, which each participant placed in an array of shoes, representing each victim of domestic and family violence.
Following the ceremony, a sausage sizzle was held at the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, who organised the event, with the help and support of Speak Up Now – Stop Domestic and Family Violence (Maleny & Blackall Range).
Domestic and Family Violence applies not just to couples, but also to abuse of elderly people. It includes financial abuse and neglect, as well as physical abuse.
Speak Up Now has held a number of very successful forums on elder abuse, which affects up to 14% of older people. From these forums, a need was identified to provide this information to the wider community, so a booklet has been produced and was launched at the sausage sizzle. It covers the types of abuse seniors can suffer from, what steps can be taken to prevent them, as well as how to get help, how to improve cyber security, and a list of useful contacts.
Free of charge, thanks to generous community support, copies of the booklet ‘Safe and Savvy Seniors’ are available from various outlets around Maleny, including the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre, Rosetta Books, Easton Lawyers, and, in coming weeks, copies will be distributed to local clubs, groups & churches around Maleny and the Hinterland.
