Motorists and pedestrians in Weipa may have noticed the new banners along Central Avenue with some confronting messaging.

A brainchild of Weipa Community Care, they were erected to send a message about domestic violence and sexual violence.

“We put them up this month because October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month,” said CEO Josephine Tait.

“Sexual violence impacts all parts of the community however we know that women and children are disproportionally affected and represent the majority of victims.”

Tragically around one in five Australian women over the age of 15 has experienced sexual assault and this number is probably even higher as it it’s an offence that still remains greatly underreported.

Weipa Community Care support worker Lucy Waugh said domestic and family violence, as well as sexual violence, was too high in Cape York.

“We need to change the thinking about what a healthy relationship is,” she said.

“We are always here to listen and to help wherever we can and we are discreet and confidential.”

Weipa Community Care thanked Rio Tinto for its in-kind contribution of installing the banners.

Queensland Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said October was a time to recognise the brave survivors and continue to look at what more could be done to prevent sexual violence.

“Sexual violence has no place in Queensland,” she said.

“This month is a time to recognise the many survivors and advocates that have been calling for change to put an end to sexual violence in Queensland.

“I’m proud our government has listened and is taking action.

“We have established the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, work is underway to implement the relevant recommendations from the Respect@Work: Sexual Harassment National Inquiry Report and we are in the final stages of developing our sexual violence prevention action plan – but we know there is always more to do.

“Everyone deserves to be safe from sexual violence and this month is a good reminder for all of us that we all have a role to play.”

Help and support is available for anyone impacted by sexual violence. Contacts include: Sexual Assault Helpline (1800 010 120); 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) and Lifeline (13 11 14).

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 26 October 2021.