Domestic and Family Violence Awareness
Gympie Regional Council is committed to fostering an inclusive community where people feel connected and safe. At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 10 December 2025, Council endorsed the Gympie Regional Council Pledge Against Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence:
- Gympie Regional Council says NO to Domestic and Family Violence, and Sexual Violence
- Gympie Regional Council says YES to relationships and communities that are safe, respectful and free from violence
- Council commits to working within our organisation and with government, community and business sectors to raise awareness on Domestic and Family Violence, and Sexual Violence
- Council will use its information networks and resources to support violence prevention campaigns and programs
What is Domestic and Family Violence (DFV)?
DFV is when one person in an intimate (past/current) or family relationship uses fear or harm against another person/s in that relationship. DFV is usually an ongoing pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling a partner or family member through fear.
Abusive behaviour is not always physical. It can be emotional, sexual, financial, social, spiritual, verbal, psychological, technology based or other controlling and threatening behaviours that cause the person being abused to be fearful.
DFV can happen to anyone. It happens in every community, in all cultures, to young and old.
The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 defines DFV as behaviour that is:
Physically or sexually abusive
Punching, hitting, strangulation, or threatening to punch or hit, forcing a person to participate in sexual acts, damaging someone’s property or threatening to damage property, including hurting or threatening to hurt pets.
Emotionally or psychologically abusive
Stalking, repeated text messaging, making insulting comments, calling someone names, blackmailing or extorting, preventing contact with family and/or friends, controlling someone’s appearance, putting them down, threatening to expose their sexual orientation.
Threatening or coercive
Threatening behaviour: saying things or acting in a way to make someone feel afraid, threatening to commit suicide or self-harm, stalking.
Coercive behaviour: forcing, intimidating or manipulating a person to do things they don’t want to do, such as sign a contract (e.g. for a loan) or a legal document giving another person power over their affairs (e.g. power of attorney).
Financially abusive
Denying, withholding, controlling or misusing money or property, or threatening to do so.
Want to know what some of the possible signs that someone could be in a harmful relationship could be? Click here and head to the Queensland Government's site to learn more about recognising the possible signs that someone you know is experiencing DFV or coercive control. This is also a safe browsing enabled site.
If you suspect someone you know is being abused, there are three ways that you can help depending on the situation:
- Talk to them
- Provide resources and help them take action - links to resources and support services are located at the bottom of the page
- In an emergency, call triple zero (000)
Here are some tips to help before you talk to them:
Do they feel safe?
And do they trust you to talk to them?
Are they alone and in a safe place?
Could there be surveillance? Do you have enough time to talk?
Believe what the person tells you
They are more likely to downplay DFV rather than exaggerate it. Many abusers are charming to others. What you see of their behaviour may be very different to their behaviour towards their partner, family member or person they are caring for.
Stand by them
It’s okay if they don’t want to talk. Express your concern and remind them DFV is never okay and it’s not their fault. Reassure them that you will stand by them no matter what they choose to do and be ready to talk or help whenever they ask.
Be supportive
Try not to offer advice or put the person under pressure. Knowing they are supported is very important. Make it clear that the person using DFV or controlling behaviour (coercive control) is responsible for their behaviour and not them. The person experiencing DFV cannot make a person stop being abusive, no matter how hard they try.
Don't judge
Do not tell them what to do but help them to explore options that are available. Avoid putting down the person who is using violence or control. This can make victim-survivors feel more isolated and judged and risks them not disclosing more.
Remember, it's important to protect yourself. As a bystander, never put yourself in danger or do anything that doesn’t feel safe or appropriate for you. Look after your wellbeing and get support if needed. Click here to visit Queensland Government's site for more information and support for people affected by DFV. This is also a safe browsing enabled site.
Support Services
If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing DFV, or you are seeking support to stop using violence, please reach out to the services below:
Local Services
If you are in immediate danger, call 000
Statewide and National Services
If you are in immediate danger, call 000
If you are a perpetrator of violence or know someone who is using violence
Please reach out to:
- Uniting Care Gympie - Men Choosing Change: 5480 3400
- REFOCUS Gympie: 5442 3992
- Manngoor Dja Gympie: 5483 6511
Council actions in the community and workplace 2026
What Council is doing to support the awareness and prevention of DFV:
- Lighting of Council landmarks in purple, to raise awareness of DFV Prevention Month (May)
- Council staff and Councillors attending DFV and sexual violence prevention stakeholder meetings and events including participation in the Local Government DFV Prevention Champions Network
- Supported Community Action Inc to develop educational posters created by survivors of domestic violence
- Distribution of DFV prevention resources to all Council staff (approx. 500 employees)
- Working with community organisation to build broader community campaign in 2026/27
Red Bench Project
The 'Red Bench Project' is a public awareness initiative of the Red Rose Foundation, supported by Gympie Regional Council. This is also a safe browsing enabled site.
Each red bench serves as a visible reminder that DFV happens in every community and that together, we can help stop it. There are currently three red benches located in the Gympie region:
- 40 Channon Street, outside the Gympie Police Station
- 89 Mary Street, Gold City Centre Stage
- Gympie State High School (in the school grounds)
Community groups are invited to collaborate with the Red Rose Foundation to establish a red bench in their own locality. Click here to download further information.
Additional Information and Resources
For information about Domestic & Family Violence in your language:
For information helpful to women with an Intellectual or Learning Disability Experiencing Domestic & Family Violence:
For information for people identifying as LGBTIQ Experiencing Domestic & Family Violence:
For information and support for Queenslanders impacted by Domestic & Family Violence:
For information about online safety and protection from Technology Facilitated Abuse: