Cooktown District Community Centre says `no’ to gender-based violence with a free breakfast to rally the community. Photo: Supplied.
A conversation over free breakfast in Cooktown is hoping to change the future of violence against women.
More than 55 supporters gathered for the free community barbecue breakfast at The Lure Shop on 26 November. Organised by Cooktown District Community Centre (CDCC), the event supported White Ribbon, a global movement to engage men and boys to be part of the solution, not the problem.
The annual breakfast also launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a worldwide campaign from 25 November – 10 December led by UN Women. This year’s theme focused on violence against women in the digital space.
CDCC program manager Kath Pennell said the breakfast served as a safe and welcoming space to speak about the various forms of gender-based violence.
“Statistically, women are far more likely than men to experience serious harm from a partner, and gender-based violence includes many forms of abuse which are not just physical,” she said.
“These include emotional, financial, sexual, coercive control and systems abuse, to name a few.
“At the same time, we recognise there are many men who choose to model healthy relationships.”
She said local men were especially encouraged to be part of the conversation because it was just as important to highlight what was being done right as what was being done wrong.
“We often talk about the harm, and we should, because it’s not acceptable and it needs to stop,” she said.
“Today didn’t minimise that, but it did highlight something important – there are great blokes in our community willing to stand up, have these conversations, and create change.
“Today was really about providing that safe space to have a conversation and to talk about the practical ways we can say that’s not appropriate, to look out for our kids, our mates and community, and keep each other safe.”
Ms Pennell said the strong response of support for the community rally, after several highly attended breakfasts in previous years, again showed the importance of awareness.
“It’s about getting the conversation started, knowing what services are out there, and raising awareness in the community,” she said.
“It’s helpful for women when they see men out there saying, `we’re here as well, and we’re joining in’.”
If you or someone you know needs help regarding gender-based violence, call:
- 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- DVConnect Womansline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 13 11 14
- Queensland Police Service: Emergency – 000; non-urgent – 131 444
- Cooktown District Community Centre: 07 4082 1400
