The Department of Justice and Attorney-General is reminding Queenslanders that October is Sexual Violence Awareness Month, with everyone having a role to play in ending sexual violence.
Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman said this was a time to recognise brave survivors and continue to look at what more could be done to prevent sexual violence in the community.
“Sexual violence impacts all parts of the community, however, we know that women and children are disproportionally affected and represent the majority of victims,” Ms Fentiman said.
“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’s an offence that still remains greatly under-reported,” she said.
Ms Fentiman said October was also a time to recognise the many survivors and advocates that had been calling for change to put an end to sexual violence in Queensland.
“I’m proud our Government has listened and is taking action to keep Queenslanders safe,” she said.
“We have established the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, work is under way 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.”
The Minister said the Taskforce was considering women’s and girls’ experiences across the criminal justice system and was due to provide its final report to the Government on these issues by June 2022.
“So far, the Taskforce has received over 700 submissions from women and girls who have bravely shared their experiences and perspectives,” she said.
“I encourage women and girls who have experienced sexual violence to continue to make submissions to help the Taskforce understand how we can better support victims and hold perpetrators to account,” Ms Fentiman said.
