White Ribbon Day was on Friday, November 23 and it seeks to raise awareness about the prevalence of violence against women in the community. 

Sergeant Rowena Hardiker said it’s anticipated that there may be an increase of domestic violence cases in the district. 

However, she said this appears to be as a result of more bystander reports, along with victims becoming empowered to report due to support service involvement.

Sergeant Hardiker credited the state government’s ‘do something’ campaign with empowering Queenslanders to stop domestic and family violence.

The Mount Isa district also has a number of support services available for people. 

“This is resulting in more people reporting violence because they feel supported and empowered by those services,” Sergeant Hardiker said. 

Statistics show Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience high levels of violence and abuse.

According to White Ribbon Australia, Indigenous women are 32 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-indigenous women.

Sergeant Hardiker said unfortunately the Mount Isa district has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the state. 

On Friday, November 23 support groups came together for a monthly domestic violence meeting. 

For support call the 24 hour statewide domestic violence hotline on 1800 811 811.