Queensland Corrective Services speaks up for White Ribbon Day

Queensland Corrective Services has a vital role to play in addressing domestic and family violence, both by managing perpetrators in prison and within the community, and by supporting survivors.

About 87 per cent of women within the Queensland prison system identify as survivors of domestic abuse, with many male prisoners being perpetrators of domestic and family violence.

Queensland Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Martin said the department had a unique role to play in educating and supporting people impacted by domestic and family violence.

“We are committed to playing our role as a White Ribbon accredited department and helping to end domestic and family violence by changing the behaviour and attitudes of perpetrators, and supporting those offenders who are survivors of abuse,” Commissioner Martin said.

Redcliffe Community Corrections officers.

“We have a window of opportunity to act as agents of change to while people are in custody or supervision. It is a chance to challenge abusive behaviour and support victims to increase their self-esteem and hopefully break the cycle of abuse.

“We also seek opportunities for prisoners to give back to the community, such as through the manufacture of four box trailers built by prisoners at Capricornia Correctional Centre for White Ribbon Australia.”

Queensland Corrective Services is helping boost awareness of domestic and family violence through multiple activities for White Ribbon Day.

Townsville Correctional Centre officers with General Manager, Peter Hall.

Commissioner Martin said centres and regions across the State were baking cakes, providing breakfast and morning tea for officers, and joining their public safety colleagues, Queensland Police Services and the armed forces, in support at public gatherings.

“Some centres are taking a unique approach, such as rapper Cking attending Wolston Correctional Centre with fellow artist Freewyo to educate through music.”