Demystifying domestic violence was one of the aims of open day on Wednesday held by the Mount Isa charged with helping people through the scourge of DV,
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North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service senior worker Matthew Moss said the open day was to showcase their services and let the community know what they provided.
“We’ve also asked the community services that support people going through domestic violence to come so not only can people find out about our service but also about our services,” Mr Moss said.
Afternoon tea as well as giveaways were provided at the event at the Old Courthouse building which houses the NQDVRS while Mob FM broadcasted live.
Also in attendance was Yacca the black cockatoo to greet children present, with Yacca getting his name from “Youth And Community Care”.
Mr Moss said the open day culminated Domestic Violence awareness month which was May and the problem was not going away in the North West.
“It is huge, unfortunately, per capita it (the region) is the worst in Queensland,” he said.
Mr Moss said people could access their service in a variety of ways.
“They can come through the courts, the police or the website or they can phone or pop in and have a chat, they don’t need to have an appointment,” he said.
“We provide court support, people coming through courts right through the spectrum.”
Mr Moss said they also had a homelessness program to assist people escaping domestic and family violence who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Workers provide information, support, referral and practical assistance to find appropriate housing.
Another program is Safe At Home where NQDVRS work with the courts and police to assist women and children to stay safe in their home.
They also run a Men’s Behavioral Change Program to challenge men to address violence in their relationships. MIMenTER (Men Towards Equal Relationships) is a group format where men get help to change violent values, beliefs and behaviours.