May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research at CQU Mackay is part of a state-wide, coordinated strategy to remember victims of domestic violence related homicides.

Sadly, domestic and family violence impacts a significant number of Queenslander’s lives each year.

Statistics released in 2003 from the Department of Families, indicate that in 9 years from January 1994 to December 2002, the Queensland Police Service recorded 154 cases of domestic homicide. Six of these victims were children.

This year, like last, the Queensland Domestic Violence Services Network (QDVSN) held candle lighting ceremonies in communities across the State; from the Gold Coast in the South to Cairns in the North; to publicly acknowledge the pain and losses of adults, children and their families who have experienced domestic violence.

Mackay residents remembered those who have died and the loved ones left behind as a result of domestic and family violence on Wednesday May 3 at Artspace.

Minister for Communities Warren Pitt officially launched Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in Townsville last Sunday.

Heather Nancarow, the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research Director and Deputy Chair of the Ministerial Advisor Council on Domestic and Family Violence, attended the launch which focused on the theme of the month being ‘Domestic and Family Violence. See the Signs. Seek a solution’ as well as an Indigenous-specific theme ‘Every Man Must Take a Stand against Domestic and Family Violence’.

The Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research's other significant contribution to the dedicated month of May, was the Indigenous Family Violence Prevention Forum held on May 2-3 at the Windmill Motel and Reception Centre in North Mackay.

The Forum this year was titled ‘Men, Women and Community – Partners’ and acknowledged the value of men and women’s collaboration within communities to address domestic and family violence, as well as men and women working in partnership with government agencies.

Participants had the opportunity to hear Government agencies discuss how their specific agencies define and implement partnerships within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Topics on the agenda included: partnerships with community and courts; community justice groups; working with male offenders, and ensuring effective inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in mainstream services.

Photo above: A candle-lighting ceremony to remember those who have died and the loved ones left behind because of Domestic and Family Violence took place at Mackay Artspace on Wednesday May 3.