One in three Australian women have experienced domestic violence.
More than one woman a week is killed in circumstances of domestic violence by a current or former partner.
DV is the leading cause of homelessness for women in Australia.
DV is estimated to cost the Australian economy $22 billion each year.
May is Queensland's Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, raising community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available to those affected.
Supported by the Queensland Government, the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys are proud to continue their 'Tackle Domestic Violence' partnership with North Queensland Women's Legal Service (NQWLS), with this year's campaign going online in place of the regular home-game activation.
Communities in crisis
The need to tackle domestic and family violence has become even more urgent during COVID-19, says Anne Lewis, Director of the North Queensland Women's Legal Service.
"High levels of DV in the community have been exacerbated by the coronavirus crisis and there is anecdotal evidence that hospitals are receiving more patients who had suffered from violence.
"Faced with unprecedented pressures, many families are struggling with lockdown, unresolved conflict, loss of employment, increased alcohol or substance use and financial stress.
"To ‘tackle domestic violence’ we need a team effort! Everybody wants to feel safe at home.
"So, we must all challenge gender inequality wherever we see this. We must all teach and show our children what respectful relationships are all about if we want to end domestic and family violence," Ms Lewis said.
How NQWLS helps
Each year, NQWLS provides more than 12,000 free legal services to women from all cultural backgrounds across North and Far North Queensland.
Up to 90% of the women NQWLS helps each year have experienced DV.
With offices in Townsville and Cairns, NQWLS lawyers also travel for monthly legal advice clinics in the Burdekin, Charters Towers, Ingham, Innisfail, Atherton, Mareeba, Mossman and Port Douglas, with a Skype service also available for women living in Mt Isa, Mackay, the Whitsundays, Kuranda and Cooktown.
NQWLS works closely with local women’s support services to make sure that women’s legal and other support needs are met.
NQWLS also works with local schools and provides ‘Healthy Relationships’ workshops on request, with education the key to the inter-generational challenge to end domestic and family violence.
If you need help
North Queensland Women's Legal Service:
- Townsville: tel 07 4772 5400
- Cairns: tel 4033 5825
Emergency contacts:
- Call the police on Triple Zero (000)
- DVConnect Womensline – tel 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
- DVConnect Mensline – tel 1800 600 636 (9am-12am, 7 days per week)
How you can help
Please help NQWLS provide vital legal assistance to women in need. Access to free legal help and support helps women change their lives so they can live free from fear and violence.
Make a donation
NQWLS is a not for profit community legal centre. Your donation will directly help provide free legal assistance to vulnerable women and children.
Donate today: givenow.com.au/nqwlslegalhelp
Join the 1000 Club
NQWLS need 1000 Club members to donate $10 each month ongoing. This will make sure another 1,000 women get free legal help when they need it.
Join today by pledging a monthly $10 donation: givenow.com.au/nqwlslegalhelp
Start fundraising
Create a personal fundraising page and share with family, friends and your networks or host a fundraising event for North Queensland Women’s Legal Service.
Stay connected
NQWLS: Visit nqwls.com.au or follow NQWLS on Facebook
Queensland Government: qld.gov.au/notnownotevertogether
