Stand up for women and children on the Sunshine Coast while marching together on Wednesday 7 May for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with Centacare, is encouraging the community to stand up and join the Sunshine Coast March and Candlelight Vigil at Cotton Tree Park to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence.
Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said this year’s theme was ‘Don’t Stand By, Stand Up’.
“Help us send a clear message that violence is never okay – everyone has a right to feel safe in their homes and in our community,” Cr Law said.
“Show your support this Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month by joining our candlelight vigil and wearing purple.
“Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control and highlight the support and help available.
“Together, we can make a difference by standing up to show that all forms of domestic and family violence will not be tolerated on the Sunshine Coast.”
Centacare Sunshine Coast Area manager Adam Beck said the march and vigil was an act of remembrance for the lives lost to domestic and family violence across Australia over the past year.
“This is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to break the cycle of violence through collective action, education and advocacy,” Mr Beck said.
“Women and children have the inalienable right to live free of fear and violence in their own homes, with people who profess to love and care for them.
“From 26 May 2025, coercive control will be a criminal offence in Queensland, so it is important the community understands that domestic violence is not only physical abuse but can also be a form of social entrapment.
“Understanding the dynamics of coercive control helps people appreciate the complexities and challenges associated with trying to leave an abusive relationship as well as the severe, long-term impacts for victim survivors exposed to this form of abuse.”
Cr Law said the Sunshine Coast Council team would be at Sunshine Coast Lightning’s game when they played the Queensland Firebirds on Saturday 26 April.
“Come and see the team to collect a purple ribbon and show your support for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month,” he said.
Buy your tickets to the Sunshine Coast Lightning game online.
Sunshine Coast March and Candlelight Vigil
The candlelight vigil will be held at Cotton Tree Park, The Esplanade, Maroochydore at 5.30pm. Prior to this, the community is invited to join the march to the vigil site. The march will start at the corner of Cornmeal Parade and Horton Parade, Maroochydore. Please gather from 5pm for a 5.10pm start.
Date: Wednesday 7 May.
Place: Corner of Cornmeal Parade and Horton Parade, Maroochydore
Time: March starts at 5.10pm. Vigil starts at 5.30pm at Cotton Tree Park
DV Safe Phone will attend the vigil and residents are encouraged to bring and donate any spare or unused phones they have lying around at home.
DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence. These ‘Safe Phones’ provide a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most. Visit Council’s website for more information.
How to do something
If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, there are three ways you can help, depending on the situation.
Talk to the victim.
Provide resources and help them take action.
In an emergency, call triple zero (000).
Resources and Contacts
1. In an emergency, call an Ambulance or Police on 000.
2. All incidents of violence should be reported to the Police. If there is no immediate emergency, you can report DFV to the police by phoning Policelink on 13 14 44 or make a non-urgent report of DFV by submitting an online form.
3. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800 RESPECT for advice and support. This service is open 24 hours and provides confidential advice via phone or webchat.
4. You can also call:
– DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
– DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
5. Visit the Queensland Government website for more information about what you can do about domestic and family violence and to search for support services on the Sunshine Coast or in your local area.
6. Centacare provides a range of specialist support services for women, children and families impacted by domestic and family violence. For more information, contact the Maroochydore office on 07 5430 9300.
7. Download the Be there App available on Apple and Android stores: A domestic violence bystander support app that gives you direct access to tools that empower and educate.
