Townsville City Council and Zonta Townsville Inc are working together to create signs for public toilets that detail services available for people experiencing domestic and family violence.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the Behind Closed Doors project had the potential to help a myriad of people living in Townsville or visiting the city.
“Domestic and family violence is an incredibly important issue in our community, and unfortunately it is more prevalent than most of us realise,” Cr Greaney said.
“People who experience domestic violence and abuse are often unable to easily research support options, so having this information readily available in Council-owned toilets is just one small thing Council and Zonta can do to help people leave domestic and family violence.”
Zonta Qld District Governor Bridget Mather said the signs would help raise awareness for domestic and family violence.
“Women’s rights are human rights and Zonta empowers women and girls, globally,” Ms Mather said.
“Mayors and Councils from Brisbane to Cairns have generously sponsored signage in a safe place, to better inform women and girls at risk of violence.
One woman dies at the hands of their partner every week, in Australia. Zonta says: no more.”
Cr Greaney said there was hope for all people experiencing domestic and family violence.
“The Behind Closed Doors project is a simple way to help spread awareness for services available to people experiencing domestic and family violence. These signs will help those living with domestic or family violence as well as those who are concerned about a friend, colleague or family member,” she said.
“Violence and abuse in the home is more widespread than most of us think, so it’s important that information is easy to access for everyone in our community.
“Resources for people experiencing domestic and family violence are available through services like 1800RESPECT and DV Connect, who can be contacted by phone call or over the internet.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or DV Connect on 1800 811 811.
In life-threatening emergencies, call Queensland Police on triple-0.
