New services to help keep domestic violence victims safe

Victims of domestic and family violence in Far North Queensland will soon have access to greater support with an extra $3.7 million in funding over five years announced for local services.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said the funding boost included extra funds for Cairns and the Tablelands and a new service for the Cassowary Coast, where there is no dedicated domestic violence support service.

“Domestic violence is having a devastating impact on our Queensland community and the Far North has some of the highest rates in the state,” Ms Fentiman said.

“More and more people are taking the brave step of speaking out and seeking help and we’ve got to have the services there to support them.

“This funding will help provide better access to specialist counselling, information and support which can make all the difference to people affected by domestic and family violence.

Member for Cairns Rob Pyne welcomed the increase in funding for the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service for its Cairns-based service and further support for the Tablelands.

“Domestic and family violence is something we need to be standing up against as a community and I believe the people of Cairns are committed to doing that,” Mr Pyne said.

“I know what a fantastic job the dedicated team do to help victims of domestic violence here in Cairns and this boost will help cater for increasing demand for their much-needed services.”

The Far North Queensland funding package includes:

• Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service will receive an extra $1.53 million over five years to provide new services for the Tablelands, beginning in March.

• Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service will also receive an extra $209,000 until mid-2018 for domestic and family violence counselling services, including more than $28,000 to provide safety upgrades. This builds on a recent $88,000 provided in one-off funds to help the service meet increased demand.

• Tully Support Centre will receive $1.82 million over five years for new services including counselling for adults and children on the Cassowary Coast and court based support at the Innisfail and Tully Magistrates Courts.

Further funds targeting support for Cape York will be available in the next round of funding for services to start in August 2016.

The funding is part of an overall $49 million commitment over five years to increase local services working to tackle domestic and family violence and delivers on a number of recommendations in the Not Now, Not Ever report

For more information on the Government’s actions to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland go to www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/end-domestic-and-family-violence/queensland-government-response

Media contact:  Alex Purnell – 0437 336 232