Recently, Brisbane hosted the Red Rose Rally, a poignant community gathering underpinned by the urgent need to address domestic and family violence (DFV) in Queensland.
Since 2010, the Rally has served as both a memorial for the women who have been killed at the hands of DFV, as well as a powerful call for change.
Attendees, including advocates, survivors, community members, and specialists, laid red roses outside of Queensland Parliament House.
Katherine Innes, Assistant Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit, said the gathering highlighted the importance and impact of parliamentarians and the community coming together.
"The Red Rose Rally is a poignant reminder that behind every statistic is a human story," Assistant Commissioner Innes said.
"Our community's presence at the Rally underscores the importance of solidarity and the need for continued efforts to combat domestic and family violence.
"In honouring the memories of those lost to domestic and family violence, we reaffirm our commitment to creating a society where every individual can live free from fear, control, harm and violence.
"The unity shown is a powerful force for change."
The Red Rose Rally provides a deeply powerful reminder of the work to be done to ensure a future free from violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
