Queenslanders are being encouraged to get involved in activities and events in March and April aimed at helping to stamp out sexual violence in all communities.
Minister for Women Di Farmer said 24 community organisations would share in $100,000 in grants to undertake community-based projects or to develop resources to continue the conversation around sexual violence in Queensland.
"I want to encourage everyone to be part of the conversation around sexual violence in Queensland, and how we stop it," Ms Farmer said.
"So often we haven't spoken about sexual violence openly, and we absolutely need to because sexual violence is shocking in its prevalence.
"One in five women has suffered sexual assault, and half of women have experienced sexual assault.
"If you are a woman with a disability, there's a ninety-five percent chance you've experienced sexual assault.
"The activities and events we've funded with these grants are designed to help the community better understand what sexual violence is, especially through listening to the stories shared by victims and survivors, and by bringing the conversation out into the open and so we can stop this kind of violence in our communities."
Ms Farmer said this was the first time Sexual Violence Prevention Grants had been offered in Queensland.
"We first announced these grants in October last year, during Sexual Violence Awareness Month, because we are absolutely committed to stamping out sexual violence in Queensland," she said.
"Earlier this week we announced our Sexual Violence Prevention Roundtable members, who will help us tackle the issue of sexual violence by providing insight on sexual violence issues, identifying priority areas of need, and advising government on evidence-based approaches to addressing the causes.
"We also committed to developing a new sexual violence prevention framework and work on this is continuing, with community consultation across Queensland to begin next month.
"This framework will highlight our vision and objectives for preventing sexual violence and provide a roadmap going forward.
"To do this we need buy in from the broader community, because government can't do this on our own.
"We want to hear from Queenslanders about their experiences and ideas for ending sexual violence in our state, and ideas on how we can better support victims and survivors.
"During March and April we'll be asking Queenslanders to have their say on our sexual violence prevention framework.
"You can attend a regional consultation forum, or send us your feedback in writing or online.
"The most important thing I want to say to everyone is that if you have suffered sexual assault or abuse, what has happened to you is not okay, and help is available.
"You are not alone."
