THE Whitsunday community is dancing for a cause during Sexual Violence Awareness Month.

During October partygoers and nightclubbers heading into the popular Magnums and Mama Africa nightspots will be stamped with the slogan "dance against sexual violence".

The campaign is part of the national Break the Silence on Sexual Violence initiative.

Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Service and the Key and Elite security groups have combined forces to promote the initiative in the Whitsundays.

WCCS spokeswoman Isa Steinhauer said it would send a powerful signal into the Airlie Beach nightlife strip.

"Going out, going for a drink, going to a nightclub, these are situations where it makes sense to raise awareness and reach a target group. Young women are more likely to experience sexual assault," she said.

Key Security Group operations manager Peter Swan said his company had endorsed the campaign last year and wanted to do so again.

"I think it's important that we play a role, that in our position as security personnel we don't accept this type of behaviour," he said.

Mr Swan said people were generally very accepting of the stamp.

"We get asked questions about 'why?' and 'what's the stamp about?' and we're able to explain this is about stamping out, preventing and eliminating sexual violence," he said.

Ms Steinhauer said WCCS and security officers were working hand in hand to reach young people and spread the word.

"Sexual violence is usually kept hidden and the stigma attached prevents people from speaking out," she said.

"Sexual violence is not limited to date rape. Often children become victims, and in 95% of cases the offender is known to the child and is a close relative or trusted friend."

Ms Steinhauer said in 2008 sexual offences accounted for 22% of all crimes against a person in Queensland.

"So let's change that by taking a stance and dance," she said.

For information, or if you or somebody you know has been affected by sexual violence, call the Whitsunday Crisis and Counselling Service on 4946 2999.