Redefining strength: grassroots campaign takes aim at domestic violence

True Strength Inc. President Luke Fleming said “We need to be asking what we can do earlier to prevent the next person from ever becoming a victim.”

A Sunshine Coast charity is taking a grassroots approach to preventing domestic and family violence, built around a simple message: True Strength is Respect.

True Strength Inc. is a Nambour-based charity focused on primary prevention - working within the community to help stop violence before it begins.

While crisis services and specialist organisations provide vital support once violence has occurred, True Strength believes greater attention must also be given to what happens before that point.

“Too often we are responding after someone has already been hurt,” True Strength Inc. President Luke Fleming said “We need to be asking what we can do earlier to prevent the next person from ever becoming a victim.”

For True Strength, that means taking conversations about respect, healthy relationships, accountability and positive behaviours into the everyday places where community attitudes are shaped, including sporting clubs, workplaces, businesses and community organisations.

The charity also wants to challenge outdated ideas about strength and masculinity. Violence, intimidation and control are not signs of strength. True strength is demonstrated through respect, self-control, empathy and accountability.

True Strength is now building partnerships across Nambour and the wider Sunshine Coast, with plans for community awareness activities that make prevention messages visible and accessible in everyday community spaces.

The organisation is keen to connect with local community groups, sporting clubs, businesses and organisations that would like to support its prevention work.

The goal is simple: end family and domestic violence.

To connect with True Strength Inc., email info@truestrengthinc.org.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, support is available through 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).