How can I help?

Win a signed Sunshine Coast Lightning Netball!

Answer the question below and go in the draw to win a netball signed by the entire Lightning team!

To enter tell us: What is this year’s theme for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month?

Entries open 12pm on Saturday, 26 April and close 5pm on Wednesday, 30 April. The winner will be notified on Thursday, 1 May by phone or email. 

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 

Don't Stand By, Stand Up!

Sunshine Coast Lightning Game

Council's team will be at the Sunshine Coast Lightning game when they play the Queensland Firebirds on Saturday, 26 April.

Come and see the team to collect your purple ribbon and show your support for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month

Sunshine Coast March and Candlelight Vigil

Sunshine Coast residents are invited to gather for a march and candlelight vigil to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence.

Help us Stand Up for women and children on the Sunshine Coast, wear your purple ribbon to show your support.

Date: Wednesday, 7 May at 5pm
Place: Corner of Cornmeal Parade and Horton Parade Maroochydore
Time: March commences at 5.10pm. Vigil commences at 5.30pm at Cotton Tree Park

Sunshine Coast Libraries 

This May Sunshine Coast libraries will be hosting a series of community conversations each Friday across multiple libraries as part of Council's commitment to raising awareness of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) within our community.  

Come and join us and speak directly with Council staff, who will be available to talk with you about any questions you may have regards DFV, what you can do as a community member and where to find support should you need further assistance.

Community Conversations across our libraries for DFV include:

• Friday, 2 May, 9am - 12pm at Maroochydore Library
• Friday, 9 May, 9am - 12pm at Maleny Library
• Friday, 16 May, 9am - 12pm at Caloundra Library
• Friday, 23 May, 9am - 12pm at Nambour Library. 

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This annual international United Nation’s campaign runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. 

Be There app

Do you want to know what to say? Or how to ‘be there’ for a loved one, a friend or even a stranger who is in an unhealthy, toxic or abusive relationship?

Be There, is a free app giving you access to tools that support you to help someone who is experiencing domestic or family violence.

Learn more about coercive control. Understand what you can say (safely and respectfully) to the person who is using, or experiencing violence. Journal your thoughts and set reminders.

Importantly, the app encourages you to practice self-care. Because we know that supporting someone through domestic violence is hard. 

Download the Be There app

DV Safe Phone

DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence. These 'Safe Phones' provide a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most.

You can donate any spare or unused phones you have lying around at home.

For donation locations or for more information visit the DV Safe Phone website. 

Understanding gender equality

Gender equality is the starting point for ending violence against women.

Gender inequality has a strong relationship with domestic and family violence. 

Domestic and family violence is a gendered issue due to the overwhelming perpetration of this violence by men towards women and children throughout the world.

Addressing gender inequality, by promoting equal and respectful relationships starts to address one of the main drivers of domestic violence.