‘We see young women hospitalised’: Mackay abuse worsening
THE monsters lurking in Mackay homes are becoming more brutal with a surge in women seeking help from domestic violence services.
Mackay Women's Centre and Zonta Club of Mackay member Belinda Hassan said the extent of domestic violence was getting worse in the region.
"Unfortunately COVID has drastically increased the level of violence in the Mackay community," the Mackay councillor said.
Cr Hassan said it was not only a case of more women seeking help.
She said more younger women were using domestic violence services and the severity of violence was worsening.
"We're seeing young women hospitalised," Cr Hassan said.
"The cycle of women, the age of the women going through is alarming."
Cr Hassan said domestic violence experts had anticipated an increase in abuse during the pandemic, with four additional counsellors hired at the Mackay Women's Centre.
"And we still can't meet the demand," she said.
Cr Hassan said the pandemic meant families were facing higher economic stresses while victims were locked in with their abusers.
"But that doesn't excuse the violence," she said.
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"The question we ask women is, 'Why didn't they just leave?'.
"It's not easy to get out.
"(And) women are at a higher risk of violence after they leave."
For the next 16 days Mackay Regional Council and Zonta will be taking part in an international campaign against gender-based violence.
Cr Hassan said as part of the United Nations campaign the Mackay council had dyed the fountain orange and would be placing orange silhouettes around the region.
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Cr Hassan said the orange women were a reminder to everyone that help was available.
She said for victims they were a sign that help was out there and for their families and friends a reminder to watch for the signs of abuse.
Cr Hassan said the message was simple, "believe women".
She said tragically too often women's stories of physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse were not listened to.
Cr Hassan said it was small practical steps that would make Mackay a safer community for women.
She said Mackay was the first council in Australia to have a specific policy for domestic violence protections and leave arrangements for its staff.
