A LUNCHEON hosted by police has connected Redlands support services and local government to help stop domestic violence.
Bayside district crime prevention co-ordinator, Acting Sergeant Brendon Winslow, said a whole community approach was needed to help victims of abusive relationships.
“The luncheon did not solve or prevent domestic and family violence from occurring within Redlands but it did take a small step in the right direction of attempting to do so,” he said.
“(It) is not something that can be fixed with lip service (and) it can’t be fixed by one person or one agency.”
The inaugural lunch was hosted at Raby Bay’s Fiction Bar and Restaurant as part of Domestic Violence Prevention month.
The campaign was set up to raise awareness of domestic violence prevalence in communities and promote a message of zero tolerance.
It is also aimed at helping those trapped in abusive relationships understand how they can be helped.
Acting Sergeant Winslow said people could receive assistance if they reported abusive behaviour.
“Often people don’t like to talk about domestic and family violence but we ask you to help us help you by reporting any domestic and family violence,” he said.
This week, the state government revealed Cleveland Magistrates Court as one of the Queensland’s top 20 busiest for domestic violence order applications.
More than 630 DVO applications were lodged at Cleveland’s judicial centre from July 1 last year to April 30.
Acting Sergeant Brendon Winslow said people could also be helped by DV Connect – women can ring DV Connect on 1800 811 811 and men on 1800 600 636.
Always dial Triple Zero (000) for emergency help.
