Council Get's Behind Dunny Door Campaign

Published on 26 June 2017

Dunny Door stickers_example.jpg

COUNCIL GET’S BEHIND DUNNY DOOR CAMPAIGN
Media Release 

Gannawarra Shire Council has jumped behind an initiative to provide discrete contact information for the National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Telephone and Online Counselling Service.

Known as the Dunny Door campaign the aim is to place a 1800RESPECT sticker on the back of every public toilet door in Australia.

Mayor Brian Gibson said that this was a practical way Council could use its well-used facilities to provide information on the 24/7 national service and to facilitate contact for people in need.

“Council placed stickers on the back of toilet doors in 2013 but with so many new toilet blocks erected over the past four years it was time for a review and refresh.”

The National Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Telephone and Online Counselling Service highlights that two of the trauma impacts of sexual assault, family or domestic violence are shame and fear. Those who have or are experiencing this violence can feel that if they are observed accessing relevant information others will ‘know’ and many hold fear of reprisal if the offender finds out.  

“A sticker on the back of a public toilet door may not seem like much, but the information can be viewed in private and consideration can then be given to accessing support services when it is safe to do so,” said Mayor Gibson.

“It is about providing information in an accessible and safe location to protect victims of violence and to get them in contact with the support they need.”

Local organisations are encouraged to get involved by ordering and installing the stickers on the backs of all toilets doors at community run facilities across the Gannawarra Shire. More information on the campaign and stickers are available from the website: http://www.rape-dvservices.org.au/MainMenu/Get-Involved/Dunny-Door-CampaignVisit

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Mallee Domestic Violence Service on 5033 1899.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit council’s website

www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au

…ENDS…

Date: 26 June 2017

Media contact: Katrina Thorne T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627

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