A Local Government Response to the Issue of Domestic and Family Violence and Abuse
Tracks
Tamborine Gallery
| Wednesday, December 1, 2021 |
| 4:14 PM - 4:34 PM |
Overview
Nicky Marshall, Moreton Bay Regional Council
Speaker
Nicky Marshall
Community Development Officer - Homelessness and Community Safety
Moreton Bay Regional Council
A Local Government Response to the Issue of Domestic and Family Violence and Abuse
Abstract
In November 2020, Moreton Bay Regional Council launched it’s Recognise and Reach Out prevention campaign in response to the increasing numbers of people experiencing or using domestic and family violence (DFV) in the region.
The campaign resulted from the establishment of a DFV Network by Council, which brought together organisations providing services to people impacted by DFV from across the region. Consultations with the Network determined the campaign’s key messages - how to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence and abuse (Recognise), and where to go for help and support (Reach Out) and was aimed at persons experiencing, witnessing or using abuse.
Mayor Peter Flannery launched the campaign with posters in bus shelters with QR codes leading people to our newly updated website. Our website www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/raro includes information on the signs of abuse, how to talk to someone experiencing or using abuse, and what services are available to provide support. Outdoor advertising media such as billboards, banners, and a branded Council vehicle help spread the message that Moreton Bay does not tolerate violence.
Under the auspices of the campaign, Council held three events during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May 2021 at different sites across our expansive region. Organisations presented about the supports available for people directly or indirectly impacted by DFV. There were also information stalls and children’s activities. These events helped raise awareness of the diverse range of services already available in the region to support people impacted by DFV.
The campaign is ongoing, with further events planned during the 16 Days of Activism later this year. We continue to think strategically about the most effective ways to ensure the campaign’s key messages reach persons experiencing abuse who may find it difficult to attend public events with a domestic violence or safety theme.
3 x Key Learnings:
• Importance of working with services providing direct support to people experiencing or using abuse when developing events or initiatives.
• Think strategically about how to reach your intended audience.
• Local government has a key role to play in eliminating domestic and family violence from our communities.
The campaign resulted from the establishment of a DFV Network by Council, which brought together organisations providing services to people impacted by DFV from across the region. Consultations with the Network determined the campaign’s key messages - how to recognise the signs of domestic and family violence and abuse (Recognise), and where to go for help and support (Reach Out) and was aimed at persons experiencing, witnessing or using abuse.
Mayor Peter Flannery launched the campaign with posters in bus shelters with QR codes leading people to our newly updated website. Our website www.mbrc.qld.gov.au/raro includes information on the signs of abuse, how to talk to someone experiencing or using abuse, and what services are available to provide support. Outdoor advertising media such as billboards, banners, and a branded Council vehicle help spread the message that Moreton Bay does not tolerate violence.
Under the auspices of the campaign, Council held three events during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May 2021 at different sites across our expansive region. Organisations presented about the supports available for people directly or indirectly impacted by DFV. There were also information stalls and children’s activities. These events helped raise awareness of the diverse range of services already available in the region to support people impacted by DFV.
The campaign is ongoing, with further events planned during the 16 Days of Activism later this year. We continue to think strategically about the most effective ways to ensure the campaign’s key messages reach persons experiencing abuse who may find it difficult to attend public events with a domestic violence or safety theme.
3 x Key Learnings:
• Importance of working with services providing direct support to people experiencing or using abuse when developing events or initiatives.
• Think strategically about how to reach your intended audience.
• Local government has a key role to play in eliminating domestic and family violence from our communities.
Biography
Nicky is the Community Development Officer - Homelessness and Community Safety at Moreton Bay Regional Council. This is a new role and demonstrates Council’s commitment to effectively responding to community safety issues such as homelessness and domestic and family violence. Nicky has worked in local government for over 5 years, and has experience providing case management support to people with complex mental and physical health issues who have experienced trauma including child and institutional abuse and domestic and family violence.
