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Teens raise awareness through Love Bites
May is 'Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month'. To raise awareness of these issues within the Gladstone Region, the Love Bites program was initiated by the Coordinated Community Response to Domestic and Family Violence Committee (CCRDFV). They commenced the program five years ago and the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum has proudly displayed the artwork for the past four years.
Targeted at local teenagers, the Love Bites program focusses on the development of respectful relationships through raising awareness of domestic and family violence and sexual assault. Over 150 artworks have been created in the program since May 2016, by over 550 high school students in the region.
The exhibition, currently on display at the Gallery & Museum until 3 June 2017, features paintings and drawings, shown on paper, canvas and via digital displays, as well as poetry and song lyrics.
"A great shout of thanks goes to the students submitting work for the 2017 exhibition. As a collective you are providing a powerful and pertinent message," said Di Paddick, Acting Curator.
The Love Bites program aims to break intergenerational cycles of domestic and family violence and stop the increasing rates of sexual assault.
“By attending Love Bites, students become actively involved in raising awareness about these issues,” said Sergeant Vicki Dredge, Chairperson of CCRDFV.
If you need to speak to someone or report family violence, there is a 24 hour/7 days State-wide Domestic Violence Hotline available, phone 1800 811 811 (Womensline) or 1800 600 636 (Mensline). In an emergency, always dial 000.