By Bronwyn Whetcroft April 30, 2015, North West Star
MAY is the national month for creating awareness of Domestic Violence and Mount Isa groups will be doing all they can over the next month with this year’s theme being “Don’t let concern be regret, Call DV connect”.
Mount Isa Police, North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service, Zonta Mount Isa and major sponsors Ruswin are working together to host several events during the month to build awareness and for those who might have questions.
Today is the official unveiling of the new domestic violence signs that have up-to-date information on who is best to contact when in a domestic violence related situation.
On Saturday there is a Domestic Violence Awareness breakfast being held at the Frog and Toad Bar at the buffs.
The breakfast costs $25 a person. Tickets need to be bought by Friday night as they will not be available on the day. An advanced screening of The Nice House – Rosie Batty’s Story of Love, Loss and Courage will be played at the breakfast. This will be the first screening in Australia.
On display will be 34 wedding dresses to remember the 34 women who have died at the hands of a male in Australia this year. Yellow ribbons, inspired by school teacher Stephanie Scott who was murdered a week before her wedding, will be distributed to guests.
North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service (NQDVRS) Senior Worker Matt Moss said around mid-June the MIMENTER program would resume. MIMENTER stands for MI: Mount Isa, MEN: men, TER Equal relationships.
The program is an in-depth two sessions a week over eight weeks course to identify men’s behaviour and violence in relationships and to give them the tools to change their behaviour and thereby provide a safer community for women and children.
“Our goal is to enhance awareness within the community, to make people aware of the services available and the capability to change,” he said.
Other events include a sausage sizzle barbecue at the front of the old court house during Law Week. Solicitors will be available to give legal advice regarding domestic violence.
Father Mick Lowcock will host a morning at the Catholic Church and a domestic violence awareness march will be held on May 25, starting at the Buffs and marching down Rodeo Drive to the Civic Centre Lawns, where there will be speeches and a free sausage sizzle.
Throughout the month Child Safety will hold a colouring contest for children in their services.
