In an effort to promote intolerance of domestic and family violence, local government councils are being urged to take a leadership role within their communities and develop strategies to combat violence within the home.

Based at Central Queensland University’s Mackay campus, Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence research officer Ruth Wood said Queensland local government councils had been requested to detail strategies they are implementing to reduce the tolerance of violence within their communities.

“Unfortunately, many rural and remote councils have not yet responded. However, no response does not mean we can assume they aren’t implementing any strategies to develop a culture of intolerance for domestic and family violence” she said.

“Research shows that victims of domestic and family violence in rural and remote areas suffer more difficulties than their metropolitan counterparts because isolation and distance often impede opportunities for seeking assistance. “Clearly we need to explore alternative strategies which consider local contexts and utilise existing community resources.” Ms Wood said measures employed by metropolitan councils could be adopted. Councils could support Reclaim the Night marches and establish ‘Stop the Violence’ committees and working parties. Promotional banners/messages advocating ‘a violence free community’ are very cost effective measures for raising community awareness and fostering intolerance of domestic and family violence.

“There are numerous strategies currently employed by many councils that don’t cost a lost of money and can be easily transferred to rural and remote areas.” “Focussing on local government council means that it doesn’t matter about distance and isolation as rural and remote councils maintain communications with their communities in a number of ways.” Ms Wood argued support from councils could be as simple as adding messages reflecting an intolerance of domestic and family violence on printed materials such as rates notices, development applications and newsletters; including contact details for domestic violence services on websites and featuring relevant information on community billboards.

Details relating to strategies rural and remote councils could adopt will be presented at the Queensland Local Government Community Services Association 11th annual conference, being held in Rockhampton from October 30, 2002. Ms Wood will present her paper and workshop on October 31, at 10.50am.