USQ student's quest to break the cycle of violence in regional Queensland

USQ fourth year Education student Tim Dunne will travel to primary schools in South West Queensland next week after receiving a grant to host discussions with students about the issues that arise from domestic violence and abuse.

Through a grant provided by the Roma Town Council and Department of Communities, Tim received $4,500 which will take care of his financial needs during the week long trip to primary schools from St George to Yowah.

"I found out that there was a grant available from the Roma Town Council through their Working Against Abuse service for someone to travel around South West Queensland and visit schools in the area to talk about domestic violence," Tim said.

"Straight away I thought it was a great opportunity to get out in these communities and teach children the difference between a healthy and unhealthy relationship."

Unfortunately in many rural and remote communities domestic violence can be a way of life and often it is the children who suffer most.

Tim however is determined to break this cycle of violence.

"In all there are nine primary schools which I will visit to give them the message that domestic violence is wrong," he said.

"Essentially this is an early intervention program and hopefully I can get through to some students."

The initiative is of particular importance to South West Queensland, where rates of domestic violence are significantly higher than in urban areas.

"It is a real problem in isolated communities and for many they do not have the resources to be able to deal with it," Tim said.

"Through this program I want to at least educate these children so that they know what to do and where to go if they have experienced or are witness to domestic violence."

Currently in the last year of his degree, Tim said that his studies will also come in handy during his visits.

"I feel as though the study that I have done over the past three and a half years has helped me develop this program," he said.

"This is just another form of teaching and talking to these students and interacting with them is important for my development as a future teacher."

Tim leaves for his trip next Monday 16 October and is available for media interviews.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628, 0403 643 192