The campaign to end domestic violence has gained momentum.

State Parliament has passed tougher laws, which increase maximum penalties and give extra protection to victims.

Politicians also showed their support by joining a public rally in the CBD last night.

Annaliese Laracy reports.

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In a show of unity from both sides of government, Parliament rose early to take part in a rally for domestic violence.

The organiser, DV Connect a state wide telephone service offering counselling, was impressed by the turnout.

Diane Mangan, CEO DV Connect: “I mean where do you get a Parliament that closes early and everybody walks to the park. That was quite a moving experience for the sector to see that.”

This year alone 23 people have lost their lives to domestic violence.

While DV Connect provides immediate support to women in need, the CEO says the key to change is education on the criminal side of domestic violence.

Diane Mangan, CEO DV Connect: “We need the community to clearly say this is what will happen to you if you are violent towards your partner.”

QUT has now become the first University in Australia to offer a tertiary course on domestic violence.

Molly Dragowicz, Associate Professor: “A lot of people would be surprised to know that there’s not any mandatory education about domestic violence, there’s no stand alone units in areas like social work and law.”

The university hopes the course can help change community attitudes.

Molly Dragowicz, Associate Professor: “There’s been a lot of money spent on services but that doesn’t really prevent violence and abuse.”

And DV Connect believes we can change the future.

Annaliese Laracy, QUT News.