In partnership with Brisbane Fashion Month, non-profit Dangerous Females is calling attention to the country's gender-based violence crisis with a fundraising runway, with Founder and Managing Director Jes Hallagan describing the event as an opportunity “to create open, safe, empowering and inclusive spaces to raise awareness about domestic violence”.
This Saturday, October 3, Dangerous Females will be taking to Brisbane's Felons Barrel Hall to roll out a fundraising fashion runway.
The fashion event features one-of-a-kind pieces, made bespoke for Dangerous Females by Brisbane's top fashion designers, which will be modelled down the runway before being auctioned off, with proceeds going to the continuation of the non-profit's work and advocacy.
The line-up of designers includes Rachel Burke, Jericho Road Clothing, Une Piece, Black Tofana, Alice Nightingale and so much more.
But alongside raising funds to continue its support for frontline domestic violence services, Hallagan highlights that this is also an opportunity to build “inclusive spaces” and bring awareness to domestic violence in Australia.
According to Our Watch, two in five women (from 2022-2021) have experienced violence since the age of 15 and in the year 2023/2024, about 6,751 women aged 15 and over were hospitalised due to family and domestic violence.
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In a concerning report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, police proceeded against eight per cent more family and domestic violence offenders in 2024–25 compared to 2023–24.
“Dangerous Females started because staying silent didn’t feel like an option anymore,” Hallagan told PEDESTRIAN.TV, reflecting on how Dangerous Females was founded.
"We also noticed a pattern where people often shy away from conversations about domestic violence because it’s taboo or intimidating, or they feel like they don’t know enough.
“That’s really what we are seeking to change. Our aim is to raise awareness – you don’t need to know everything to speak out and show your support for this critical issue.”
While Hallagan notes that there are “incredible experts” that “we can turn our attention to in this country when it comes to conversations about government actions to combat violence against women”, she believes conversations about domestic violence need to happen earlier.
“I believe conversations need to happen earlier, where the focus is on prevention of violence or abuse, as opposed to interventions afterwards,” Hallagan said.
“Often, there is a lack of examples and taught behaviours of respect, particularly towards women and girls.”
Alongside the fashion runway show, 100 per cent of Dangerous Females' t-shirts are donated to domestic violence frontline services, with Hallagan noting that the non-profit is supporting 4Voices this year.
“4Voices and their volunteers create safe spaces, services, practical assistance, and support for women and children who are at risk or who are experiencing complex issues and crises such as domestic violence, homelessness, and social isolation,” she shared.
While the runway is set to be an empowering event that cultivates a space that spotlights this tragic trend, Hallagn hopes that participants walk away knowing “you don’t need to be an expert to know that violence and abuse of any kind are wrong”.
“You also don’t need to be an expert to support the safety and lives of women and victim-survivors. If you see, read, or hear something wrong, don’t stay silent; don’t do.”
If you're keen on attending the Dangerous Females fashion runway, you can head here for more information.
If you or someone you know is at risk or experiencing violence, support is available.
1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732
Lifeline - 13 11 14
13 Yarn - 13 92 76
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
