At-risk women in our regions filling out a doctor's script at the pharmacy can look down at their prescription cover to view state-first domestic violence support advertising in the coming weeks.
The new, innovative idea forms part of the Marshall Liberal Government's successful Break the Cycle campaign, which promotes support available for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as services tailored to help perpetrators stop abusive behaviours.
About 60,000 prescription covers dispensed by regional pharmacies will carry the Break the Cycle message, including a QR code to take consumers directly to the Break the Cycle website.
A total of 20 pharmacies in Whyalla, Port Augusta, Murray Bridge, Coober Pedy, Padthaway, Naracoorte, Millicent, Mount Gambier, Renmark, Berri, Port Pirie and Victor Harbour will trial the advertising.
Repeat prescriptions are kept by customers for up to 12 months and are often stored in a prominent place around the home.
It's part of a $40,000 domestic violence support boost targeting our regions.
The Marshall Liberal Government is also rolling out Break the Cycle advertising in doctor's waiting rooms and on-demand TV and YouTube viewed in regional areas.
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Carolyn Power said it was important that women in regional areas know that there is support available to them.
"We will continue to ensure at-risk women and their children have access to support and help no matter where they live in South Australia," said Assistant Minister Power.
"Domestic and family violence is not contained to particular postcodes and so we are reaching out to all corners of South Australia and investing in our regions to ensure at-risk women across the state know where to turn to for help.
"Putting new Break the Cycle advertising on pharmacy scripts is one of many new, innovative measures we're delivering to help reach South Australians South Australians experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence that might need that support."
Acting Minister for Human Services John Gardner welcomed the additional funding in the regions.
"The Marshall Liberal Government has invested a record $21 million – and counting – on a suite of new domestic violence measures right across the state and we're always looking at new ways to support at-risk women and their children and ultimately, help put a stop to all forms of violence and abuse," said Minister Gardner.
To date, a total of $475,000 of funding has been rolled out to support the Break the Cycle campaign, attracting more than 1.8 million impressions on social media, bus shelters, toilet doors and radio – and even a unique, Australian-first partnership with Tinder.
Women in regional SA have access to more domestic violence support than ever before thanks to a state-first network of safety hubs opened for the first time under the Marshall Liberal Government.
Hubs are now open in Murray Bridge, Berri, Port Augusta, Gawler, Mt Barker, Mt Gambier, Port Pirie and Whyalla, with additional hubs set to be open early next year in Goolwa and Port Lincoln.
Domestic Violence Crisis Line 1800 800 098
1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732
Or visit: www.breakthecycle.sa.gov.au
