By Abbey Cannan
Noosa’s home-grown beauty Kate Radin will represent Queensland in this year’s Miss Universe Australia pageant, and if she wins, she plans on creating a virtual platform for victims of domestic violence.
Growing up in Noosa was a dream for Kate, she first started modelling for local Noosa brands at the age of 15 and decided to enter the Miss Universe Australia pageant at the start of 2019 to take a step out of her comfort zone.
“I would have never expected to get as far as I have and I’m very excited for the next few months,” Kate said.
Don’t let the pageantry stereotypes fool you, Kate said there is so much more involved than just a woman walking up and down a cat-walk in a bikini.
“All the contestants are smart and want to make a difference in the world. A lot of people think that they are only about beauty, but if you look at the previous Miss Universe winners, they all have degrees or even higher qualifications.”
Kate is currently studying a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and in the future, she plans on working in the domestic violence field. The winner of Miss Universe Australia will take home a $20,000 grant which is to be used towards education or a business start-up.
“I would put this grant towards a business start-up which would be a virtual platform for women that are suffering from domestic violence to talk to a psychologist. This way these victims will feel safe by providing a safe and respectful chat for them to discuss their situation that they’re currently in and how they can get out of it,” Kate said.
Kate’s idea comes at a time when any aid is welcome, after a recent report issued by the Domestic and Family Violence Death Review Unit states that during the period 2006–2012 there was an average of 23 deaths a year in Queensland linked to domestic and family violence– and that this figure equalled 44 per cent of the state’s homicides for that period. New data released by the Queensland Police Service also revealed more than 28,200 breaches of domestic violence orders have been recorded in the past 12 months, which is a rise of 10 per cent, compared to February 2018. In the Wide Bay Burnett region, there has been 14 homicides in domestic and family relationships from 1 July 2006 to 28 February 2018. Data shows that the Wide Bay Burnett region has recorded 1,840 domestic violence order breaches within the past 12 months up until February 2019. This is an extra 130 breaches compared to the year before, earning a rise of 7.6 per cent.
Women’s Council for Domestic and Family Violence Services CEO Angela Hartwig said this data flags concerns for women and children’s safety.
“There are generally never enough perpetrator programs to send offenders to. I think Kate’s idea has merit and a wonderful thing to do to provide the opportunity for those who may not want face-to-face counselling to get some much-needed support,” Angela said.
Noosa Councillor Ingrid Jackson also said that she was dismayed to learn that breaches of domestic violence court orders have increased.
“I greatly appreciate the many dedicated and generous groups who keep helping people and raising awareness about domestic violence – DVConnect, SCOPE, 1800RESPECT, Cooroy Family Support, The Salvation Army, Coast2Bay Housing Group, Noosa Queensland Police Service, Zonta Club of Noosa, One Billion Rising Noosa and Noosa Council,” Ingrid said.
“I know the Noosa Police assist families when there are domestic violence incidents and there is a Police Vulnerable Persons Unit helping perpetrators work through their issues. Providing such support is key to preventing breaches.I applaud Kate for her idea and encourage her to work in synergy with existing domestic violence help agencies.”
Noosa Heads Police Senior Constable and Domestic Violence Liaison Officer Mark Jones said the current increase in reported breaches are reflective of a number of factors.
“This can be from the community being made more aware through TV campaigns and other similar advertising of this nature, it could also be due to the confidence being instilled into victims to report matters to police and to get the help they need. The increase also could be contributed to the increase of population here on the coast. A number of Calls for Service are from itinerant holiday short stays and advertently alcohol is a related problem, calls are made from adjacent unit occupants and police are obliged to investigate all matters,” Mark said.
In terms of reducing the number, Mark said punishment does not always achieve a reduction however the current penalties could be harsher, as in some serious matters it is felt a harsher sentence is needed to deter people from committing DV.
“There is also a need to support the offenders, in getting help to change their behaviours. This can be done through anger management programmes, psychologists and other support services with the goal of changing the behaviour of the perpetrator,” Mark said.
Mark said there are many DV services on the coast, however predominately for female victims.
“There is always a higher demand in services than funding will allow however these providers try their best to cater for the volume of victims,” he said.
The Zonta Club of Noosa has a number of ongoing projects to support women and children dealing with domestic violence. This includes fundraising for domestic violence initiatives such as emergency housing, medical services, providing care packs containing basic necessities to women and children experiencing domestic violence and also sponsoring counselling and support programs.
The Zonta Club of Noosa President Amy Ryan said it will take a joint effort from women, men and the community at large to lower the number of DV offences.
“It needs to be understood that women and children are not the only victims of domestic violence. Men can be victims of domestic violence as well. Both men and women can be perpetrators; however statistically, domestic violence (particularly physical domestic violence) is more likely to be committed by men,” Amy said.
Amy said that any ideas which promote the empowerment of domestic violence victims in a safe and constructive manner are always welcome.
“I imagine the key issue with Kate’s idea will be women being able to access the service safely, without fear of discovery through say, internet history searches by their partner. However, it is also fantastic to see an impassioned young woman trying to use her platform to improve the lives of other women,” she said.
Amy said that sadly, domestic violence is often a generational issue and children should be taught about respect and healthy relationships.
“Victims of domestic violence should have access support services to meet their basic needs in the short term and resilience-building support services with a long-term view of empowering these victims to leave abusive relationships. Perpetrators should also have access to rehabilitation programs and services to break the cycle of abuse,” Amy said.
Previous changes to domestic violence legislation in Queensland have already introduced tougher penalties for breaches of domestic violence orders, including imprisonment for up to three years if a first-time breach; or up to five years if previously convicted of a domestic violence offence. Other penalties include fines; community service or being placed on a good behavior bond.
There is no “one size fits all” penalty for breach of domestic violence orders. Ultimately, the penalty to be imposed is determined by the Court based on the seriousness of the offence; as well as the factors outlined in the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 (Qld).
The Palaszczuk Government has awarded $150,000 in grants to 32 community organisations across Queensland to host events as part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month in May. Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said it was encouraging to see so many community organisations put their hand up to host an event to help prevent domestic and family violence locally and to support community members affected. There will be a march on Wednesday 1 May at 5pm from Alexandra Headlands HMAS Brisbane Memorial heading towards Loo with a View at Mooloolaba for a moving candle lighting ceremony to remember those who have sadly lost their lives to domestic and family violence.
For DV support services in the Noosa area, Noosa’s Salvation Army operate the Shine Houses, which are safe homes in Noosa. DV Connect Womensline (1800 811 811) and Mensline (1800 600 636) are a state-wide telephone service that operates 24/7. SCOPE (Suncoast Cooloola Outreach Prevention and Education) provides support services on 5430 9300. A family violence counselling service is also provided by 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Victims of domestic violence can also seek legal advice and assistance from a family law practitioner at a community legal centre.
Queenslanders can have their say on how to prevent sexual violence, public consultation opened online on Friday 29 March. Information provided by the public will be used to help develop a Sexual Violence Prevention Framework for Queensland. Online submissions can be made at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au, or for young people aged 13-25 go to e-hub.engagementhub.com.au. Written submissions can be emailed to violence_prevention_team@csyw.qld.gov.au
