On the 18th of May, Cairns AFL will hold their annual ‘Stand Up Against Domestic Violence Round’. The event brings together all six of the AFL Cairns Womens clubs, uniting to highlight the issue of domestic and family violence in the Cairns region. Through this annual round, AFL Cairns hopes to create a safe place to start a conversation and show unity in the community. The event will begin at 11:00am with the Lions vs Souths, followed by the Saints vs Norths at 12:30pm and Centrals TB vs Hawks at 2:00pm. Donations received on the day will go to Ruth’s Women’s Shelter, a not for profit organisation providing accommodation for women and families fleeing domestic and family violence. Follow Cairns AFL to keep up to date with event details.
From 2018 to April 2019, approximately 1041 Domestic Violence Order applications were made in Cairns alone, the 6th highest rate in Queensland behind Ipswich, Townsville, Brisbane, Beenleigh and Southport. To combat this growing issue, a number of initiatives and programs have been established in Cairns to provide a safe environment for victims and show unity in the region. As well as AFL Cairns, other local businesses that raise awareness and provide support include the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service and Womens Centre Cairns.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, you can contact the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service at (07) 4033 6100.