'BIG Respect' is a new project being launched across Queensland to lift the conversation on respect and drive community awareness of the impact of domestic and family violence ahead of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, which begins on the 25th of November.
54 reasons, Save the Children's Australian service delivery arm, DVConnect, and VictimConnect are partnering with photographer and activist, PollyannaR, to generate conversations about gender-based and family violence by asking communities in Queensland to share what respect means to them.
PollyannaR will set up a pop-up-style photobooths across five different locations in Queensland, featuring her signature white backdrop, and invite passers-by to write down what 'respect is' to them and have their portrait taken as a public show of support.
54 reasons Queensland State Director, Mena Waller, said projects that address the underlying discourse of domestic and family violence, and the impact it has on children, are incredibly important.
"We know children's experiences of domestic and family violence are complex and varied, but what is undeniable is the fact that violence undermines the most fundamental foundations for a child's life.
"The BIG Respect project is an opportunity for us to have open discussions with communities across Queensland, to talk about the meaning and importance of respect, and about the rights of all people including women and children, to live free from violence."
DVConnect Director of Clinical Governance Michelle Royes said:
"As the state-wide domestic, family, and sexual violence response service, we support Queenslanders every day to find their pathway to safety. We know that to end violence, community attitudes and awareness around domestic, family, and sexual violence is required.
"To achieve this, conversations about gender-based violence and respect needs to be had by the entire communities of men, women, and children.
"This campaign is an opportunity to connect with communities right across Queensland from Mount Isa to the Gold Coast, in an inclusive, creative, and engaging manner to start and continue these conversations."
Photographer and Activist, PollyannaR said:
"Often with big complex community issues it's easy to feel powerless to change the statistics with individual action. In reality every person has the power to make a impact and art is wonderful vehicle to give everyone an opportunity to share their voice and make a public stand for their values.
"These declarations shared through social media can signal to their friends and family that they are a safe person to confine in if they are expecting violence and connect them to incredible network of support available."
In partnership with 54 reasons, DVConnect and VictimConnect, PollyannaR will create pop-up photobooths across Gold Coast, Brisbane, Townsville, Mt Isa, Toowoomba from November 20th to the 23rd.
Participants will receive a print of their portrait on the spot to take home. PollyannaR will also share images across social media platforms before finishing the project with an online gallery to be unveiled on the 6th of December.
