Southeast Queensland’s beloved jacaranda tree has bloomed early in a project to mark Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month (May 1 to 31).
Child protection organisation Act for Kids this week launched The Tree of Healing community art activation at the Caboolture Hub to foster healing and raise awareness of DFV, especially how it impacts children.
Throughout May, community members are invited to colour a paper flower or write a message of healing on theirs, adding it to The Tree of Healing’s branches.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines said the iconic jacaranda was chosen as the centrepiece for the art activation because its burst of purple flowers represents the international awareness colour for DFV.
“The roots of the tree honour those lost to DFV, serving as a poignant tribute, while the trunk represents growth as a country and the need to protect future generations,” Dr Lines explained.
“The leaves and flowers symbolise healing and our shared commitment to personal healing journeys.”
Dr Lines said DFV was one of the most urgent health and welfare issues in the country.
“DFV Prevention Month should serve as a reminder to communities of the important role we all play in identifying and ending Domestic and Family Violence,” she said.
“According to the Australian Child Maltreatment Study, 39.6 per cent of Australians have experienced exposure to DFV as a child.
“It affects more than 80 per cent of the people Act for Kids helps every year including thousands of children.
“We know exposure to DFV can lead to severe negative impacts for children, families, and communities, ranging from lethal outcomes to physical harm, psychological trauma, and emotional distress.”
Community members are encouraged to capture and share images of The Tree of Healing on social media, tagging Act for Kids, to help spread awareness this May.
Act for Kids thanks the City of Moreton Bay for its donation of materials and resources for the project, and artist Marta Ponti, who is an Act for Kids counsellor, for volunteering her time to create the art installation.
For more information about Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, click here.
Act for Kids offers a specialised Safe Families program at the Moreton Centre in Morayfield, which takes a multigenerational approach to address the complex issue of DFV.
For more information about the program, visit here.
Support is available for anyone impacted by DFV:
DVConnect Womensline (24/7): 1800 811 811
DVConnect Mensline (24/7): 1800 600 636
Kids Helpline (24/7): 1800 551 800
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Act for Kids media contact:
Melanie Whiting
0427 794 666
Melanie.whiting@actforkids.com.au