Agro-Trend was not the only event taking place in the first week of May; it was also Domestic Violence Prevention Week . To mark Domestic Violence Prevention Week, a special presentation was given in the seminar tent at the annual Bundaberg agriculture event.

Heather Nancarrow is the Director of the Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Central Queensland University, Mackay Campus. The Centre is largely funded by the State Government and has a mandate to conduct research, education and the evaluation of domestic and family violence prevention programs to inform policy and practice in the field.

Ms Nancarrow said her presentation; “Family safety in regional communities - a priority for CQU” covered the prevalence of domestic violence in Australia and its impact on families, including men, women, children and extended family members.

“The presentation pays particular attention to issues for rural communities and the cultural factors contributing to domestic violence and specific barriers to seeking support and assistance,” she said.

“The audience will learn why families in rural communities are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence, new legislation and strategies established to respond to domestic violence in rural communities and what they, as individuals, can do about domestic violence in their own homes or communities.

“They will also learn about the newly established Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence and its plans for research, education and evaluation to ensure evidence-based good practice in responding to domestic and family violence.