THE Whitsunday community is taking up the fight against sexual violence.

In 2010, Victims Assist, a victim support body run by the Queensland Government, reported that the Whitsundays had recorded the second highest sexual assault figures in the state.

That's why Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Service is painting the town teal - the official colour of Sexual Violence Awareness Month - to bring this issue into the spotlight.

An initiative of the Queensland Government, SVAM is held every year in October as a flagship event in the campaign to end sexual violence.

For October, Whitsunday police vehicles, Whitsunday Regional Council cars, JJ Richards trucks, Whitsunday Transit buses and Mackay and Whitsunday Taxis will join this fight, displaying teal ribbons.

This is just the beginning, however, in the local effort to stamp out sexual assaults.

Artwork by survivors of sexual violence will be on display, Mama Africa night club, Magnums Hotel, Key Security and Elite Security will give patrons SVAM stamps and hang up posters, and a candle-lighting ceremony will be held at the end of the month at the Airlie Beach Markets area.

Any residents interested in lending a hand in the campaign or wanting more information about SVAM should contact Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Service on 4946 2999.

If you have been the victim of sexual violence contact WCCS, or the Sexual Assault 24/7 Hotline on 1800 010 120.