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Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month

1 to 30 May 2026

Every Life Matters. Together we can end Domestic and Family Violence

Each May, Queensland marks Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month – a time for communities to come together to raise awareness of DFV and coercive control, promote support services and encourage everyone to play a role in prevention.

Help us to show that Every Life Matters by wearing your purple ribbon to show your support. Ribbons will be available to pick up at all events, plus council service centres and libraries.

You can help by participating in a range of events and programs scheduled throughout May.

Sunshine Coast March and Candlelight Vigil

Sunshine Coast residents are invited to gather for a march and candlelight vigil to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence.

Date/time: Wednesday 6 May, from 4.30pm
Place: Cotton Tree Park, The Esplanade, Maroochydore
Schedule: Gather from 4.30pm at Cotton Tree Park Pier. The March commences at 5.10pm. The Vigil commences at 5.30pm, Cotton Tree Park.

This free event is open to everyone, no registration required.

Community Conversations and Art Display

Sunshine Coast Libraries

Community members are encouraged to take part in a combined Community Conversations and Community Art Display event series. These activities work together to raise awareness of DFV, encourage community connection and honour the strength and resilience of those affected.

Visitors are encouraged to drop in to their local participating library to:

Speak with Council staff, DFV sector workers and volunteers about where to access help and how to support others
View a community art installation featuring decorated treasure chests, symbolising personal worth, dignity and the tools gathered through healing.

Display dates

You can view the travelling Community Art Display at a range of library locations throughout May.

Maleny Library: Thursday 30 April to Tuesday 5 May

Caloundra Library+: Monday 11 May to Sunday 17 May

Maroochydore Library: Monday 18 May to Sun 24 May

Nambour Library: Monday 25 May to Sunday 31 May

Conversation schedule

Each Community Art Display will coincide with a Community Conversation session at the same location.

Maleny Library: Thursday 30 April, 10am–12pm

Caloundra Library+: Monday 11 May, 10am–12pm

Maroochydore Library: Monday 18 May, 10am–12pm

Nambour Library: Monday 25 May, 10am–12pm

Together, these activities create a meaningful space to connect, reflect and promote a future free from violence.

For library locations and open hours, visit Sunshine Coast Libraries.

Strong Within, Strong Together, Strong Vision

Join an interactive session focused on building the skills to perform well under pressure and strengthen how we show up in key moments.

Andrew Boniface combines human performance principles with aviation experience to share a practical framework – Strong Within, Strong Together and Strong Vision – covering emotional regulation, effective communication and values-led direction.

Participants will leave with actionable tools to improve capacity, collaboration and clarity across work and life.

Date/time: Wednesday 27 May, 10am to 12pm
Place: Namba Meeting Place, Ground Floor of the Sunshine Coast Council Eddie De Vere Building, corner of Currie and Bury Streets, Nambour
Schedule: Arrive at 9.30am for a meet and greet plus refreshments. The workshop starts at 10am. Stay on for networking and catering from 11.30am to 12pm.

This is a free event, places are limited. Visit the event listing for further information and event registration.

DV Safe Phone

DV Safe Phone collects, repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence. These 'Safe Phones' provide a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most.

You can donate any spare or unused phones you have lying around at home.

For donation locations or for more information visit the DV Safe Phone website.

Understanding gender equality

Gender equality is the starting point for ending violence against women.

Gender inequality has a strong relationship with domestic and family violence.

Domestic and family violence is a gendered issue due to the overwhelming perpetration of this violence by men towards women and children throughout the world.

Addressing gender inequality, by promoting equal and respectful relationships starts to address one of the main drivers of domestic violence.