Time to air the dirty laundry
MOST people like to keep their dirty laundry hidden away.
This Saturday, Gladstonites are invited to put theirs on show.
May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and to promote the cause the PCYC is staging a free family fun day from 2pm on May 19.
An Air Your Dirty Laundry art show will be pegged out on clothes lines for public
display.
Community members are being asked to paint or draw on items of old clothing to the month's theme and submit their artworks to the PCYC.
The event is part of a larger statewide campaign to raise awareness of Domestic Violence issues throughout the month of May.
Named, "Act as 1," and now in its third year, the campaign urges people to take action and speak up against domestic violence.
Neighbours, friends, family members, workmates and other members of the community are encouraged to "act as 1" and drag the issue of domestic violence from behind closed doors into the
limelight.
Examples of how you can assist include supporting someone you know, attending an event such as the Air Your Dirty Laundry campaign, educating the community or simply talking about the issue with people you know.
This year more than 60 community organisations, sporting clubs and businesses in Queensland are supporting the campaign.
Find out more at actas1.qld.gov.au.
Know the signs
Someone who is experiencing domestic or family violence may:
Seem afraid of their partner or someone close to them
Stop seeing you or other friends and family
become anxious, depressed, unusually quiet or lose confidence
Be showing signs of neglect if they are older or have a disability
Have a jealous partner who frequently accuses them of cheating
Have a partner who continually phones or texts to check on them
Helpful Numbers
Those who wish to reach out and speak to a trained professional in regard to matters of domestic violence may find help from one of the numbers below.
DVConnect Women's Line 1800 811 811
DVConnect Men's Line 1800 600 636
Kid's Helpline 1800 551 800
Elder Abuse Help Line 1300 651 192
