Griffith University stands firm in its commitment to reduce harm and build a better future for all with several key initiatives aimed at preventing violence and facilitating peaceful, just, and equitable communities. The MATE Bystander program (Motivation Action Through Empowerment) and the Disrupting Violence Beacon, a strategic initiative that aligns and enacts Griffith’s values and aims to be a ‘game-changer’ in influencing how our society thinks about and responds to violence.
Dave Kramer is a behavioural scientist currently investigating domestic violence in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. His mission began in 2017 when he partnered with a not-for-profit in Brisbane to raise funds and support youth experiencing homelessness.
Then, after the horrific and sudden passing of his best friend and training partner, Hannah Clarke, and her three children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, his mission took a new direction. Dave now partners with organisations such as MATE Bystander, with the purpose of preventing further atrocities like that experienced in February 2020.
Dave believes that true prevention will come from early intervention and influencing policy and social change. With this in mind Dave will continue beyond his study with a career in research, so that all support offered to MATE and the wider community, to prevent domestic violence, is informed, effective and available to everyone.”