AMPLIFYING THE MESSAGE
Sexual Violence Awareness Month runs from Sunday 1 October 2023 until Tuesday 31 October 2023 and gives all Queenslanders the opportunity to play their part by taking a stance against sexual violence.
Given almost 500,000 women in Queensland over the age of 15 have experienced sexual violence in the last two years, supporting women to report sexual violence is more important than ever.
I’d like to promote a great initiative which began in the Wide Bay Burnett area and is now being implemented throughout licensed venues across the region.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) Women’s Safety in Licensed Venues project promotes awareness, prevention and assistance around drink spiking and associated sexual assaults. Drink spiking often leads to sexual assault, however victims are frequently reluctant to report the incidents.
QPS has partnered with the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) and other government and non- government organisations, including local liquor accords, Wide Bay Health, counselling services, taxi companies, backpacker hostels and companies that hire farm workers to help amplify the message that sexual violence is never acceptable.
The project also provides information and resources to help identify drink spiking and prevent sexual assault. It also gives people a means to report sexual violence.
There are a range of activities and events being held across the state throughout Sexual Violence Awareness Month, reinforcing the message that violence is never acceptable and highlighting the support options available for those who have been affected by sexual assault and sexual abuse. Two of these events are being hosted by organisations that received an Investing in Queensland Women grant earlier this year.
The Queensland Sexual Assault Network Inc. (QSAN) in Brisbane and the Domestic Violence Action Centre in Toowoomba are using their funding to host workshops and events that raise community awareness and understanding of sexual violence.
I encourage you all to take a stand against sexual violence by participating in an event in your local area:
www.qld.gov.au/svamonth.