The new Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence at Central Queensland University Mackay was officially opened on Tuesday by the Minister for Education Anna Bligh MP (pictured with the Vice Chancellor).

“It’s only too obvious in our schools and communities that the children affected by violence at home find it much harder to develop at school and reach their potential,” said Minister Bligh, who commended CQU for its important role in Queensland that extends beyond classrooms.

The Centre’s current research projects include investigations of domestic and family violence in rural and remote Queensland, the effects of domestic and family violence on children, and family violence in Queensland indigenous communities.

Sylvia Sommerfield, a 21-year-old survivor of abuse who attended the opening, told the Minister and guests “everyone had the right to say no and feel safe”.

According to statistics available at the Centre victims suffer an average of 35 assaults before seeking some sort of formal assistance. Violence is typically not discussed within the family until after an external agency is brought in.

“The Centre is a significant new development representing the commitment of the Queensland Government, the University and the community to addressing a very destructive aspect of the lives of too many people,” said CQU Vice-Chancellor and President Glenice Hancock, who thanked Minister Bligh for the Government’s investment in research in the region.

The Centre’s work focuses on three key areas: research, education and evaluation. While the Centre will inform on policy issues, it will also evaluate policy implementation and effectiveness in communities.

“It is vital in our attempts to decrease tolerance to violence, to create strong partnerships so we can effectively together address the problems we all face,” said CQU Associate Professor of Sociology Helen Waite.

When $1.3 million in Government funding for the Centre was announced in May the Minister for Families Judy Spence said that the staff at CQU Mackay had the “necessary expertise” to advise Government, to deliver education programs and offer prevention services.

“It is important that what we do, we do effectively and efficiently because we are talking about saving lives, saving families and creating safe environments for women and children,” said Minister Spence.

The opening was preceded by a state-wide videoconference forum entitled Safer, Happier, Healthier: Researching for a Non-Violent Future.

For more information contact the Queensland Centre for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence at 07 4940 7834 or email enquiries@noviolence.com.au or visit the website www.noviolence.com.au.