A SERIES of videos have been launched by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to encourage Queenslanders to have a conversation this Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
Relationships can be difficult to navigate, particularly during formative years as a young adult but there are several support and reporting options available to suit each person’s individual background, situation and circumstances.
Awareness of these options starts with education and through a four-part short video series, QPS hopes to start a discussion among viewers.
This video series, which will be shared throughout October on the Queensland Police Service Instagram and TikTok pages, will target teenagers and young adults.
Aiming to arm them with the tools they need to recognise unacceptable behaviour and take steps to speak up, call it out, report it and seek help.
Focusing on respect in relationships, personal boundaries, consent, reporting and support options – each video is hoped to spark a conversation and empower young people.
Detective Inspector Michael Jones of the QPS Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Group said we all have a role to play in preventing this form of violence in our communities and ensuring the safety of all Queenslanders.
“We encourage all people to truly reflect on the behaviour they see around them every day, call it out when it crosses a line and step in and offer help to those who may be victim,” he said.
“These videos hope to support young people to understand that they never need to justify or apologise for setting boundaries, saying no or withdrawing consent.
“Equal partnerships are where responsibility and power is shared, and we urge anyone who feels unsafe or their boundaries disrespected to come forward and seek help and support.”
Sexual Violence Awareness Month each October is a reminder for all Queenslanders that sexual violence is never acceptable – all people deserve to live without fear of sexual violence.
Sexual violence can happen to people of any gender, race, culture, socioeconomic status, ability, sexual orientation, setting or location. First Nations women and girls, and women and girls with disability, are especially vulnerable to sexual violence.
If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000), you can also report online here, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
Keep up with the latest news in Cairns and the Far North, and check out some of our top stories this week: A “Kool” solution in cold chain packaging and Far Northern locals show out at Savannah.