Premier provides extra funding for Domestic Violence crisis line

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced an extra $1.2 million for domestic violence crisis support service DV Connect.

Ms Palaszczuk offered extra emergency funding to the organisation after a horrific week in Queensland. 

“Last week I told DV Connect we would provide whatever extra resources they needed to deal with the upsurge in calls to the crisis lines,” Ms Palaszczuk said. 

“This extra funding will boost staffing and provide emergency accommodation and supplies, to ensure DV Connect are able to answer all calls for help, from women and men. 

“We recognise the bravery involved in reaching out for help and we want to make sure that help is available.” 

DV Connect is funded by the Queensland Government to provide a state-wide, 24/7 crisis response to women, children and men affected by domestic and family violence. 

Today’s announcement brings the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to DV Connect to $5.1 million. 

DV Connect Womensline received 63,955 incoming calls last financial year, but calls have spiked in the past week with more than 400 calls a day – double the usual daily call rate. 

DV Connect CEO Di Mangan welcomed today’s announcement, saying it would fund emergency accommodation and supplies for people fleeing their home, as well as four more trained staff. 

That includes an extra team member for the Mensline support service, which offers help for male victims and perpetrators. 

“I would encourage any man who has been inflicting violence on his family or feels he may be about to, to have the courage to call Mensline and get help now,” Ms Mangan said. 

The Palaszczuk Government is fast-tracking legislation to increase penalties for breaches of domestic violence orders, ensure domestic violence is specifically recorded on a person’s criminal history, and provide “special witness” status for victims in court. 

The Premier said her government had already begun implementing more than half of the 140 recommendations from the Not Now, Not Ever taskforce report into domestic violence, and was committed to acting on the remainder.  

To get help for yourself or someone you know, call DV Connect Womensline on 1800 811 811 or Mensline on 1800 600 636.

Media contact: 0428 098 437