More help for victims of domestic violence from culturally diverse communities

Victims of domestic and family violence from multicultural and multi-faith communities in Logan and the Gold Coast will now have access to support services thanks to more than $500,000 in funding announced by the Palaszczuk Government.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said language barriers, fear of authorities and social isolation were some of the additional barriers faced by women from culturally and linguistically diverse, migrant and refugee backgrounds.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing the best possible support services for all Queenslanders impacted by domestic and family violence,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Logan and the Gold Coast are vibrant multicultural communities but, like all Queensland communities, they are not immune to the insidious problem of domestic violence.

“Victims of domestic violence in both these communities may face additional language and cultural barriers to getting the help they need, which is why we are committing this extra support.”

Minister Fentiman announced the funding boost during an address to faith leaders from across South-East Queensland today.

She said the new services will be part of the Palaszczuk Government’s integrated domestic and family violence service response trial being established in Logan/Beenleigh.

Ms Fentiman said $300,000 will help establish a new domestic and family violence service for the Gold Coast’s culturally diverse, migrant and refugee communities, and $260,000 will be spent to fund a similar service in Logan.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Grace Grace said it was vital that victims of domestic and family violence from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds understand their rights and how to access support.

“A number of women from migrant and refugee backgrounds have escaped violence and trauma in home countries and this stays with them and often compounds the effects of any violence they may experience here in Australia,” Ms Grace said.

“These two new support service hubs will help victims to seek help despite some of the additional barriers they may face.”

DVConnect’s Womensline responded to 53,313 phone calls in Queensland in 2013–14, of which 7.3 per cent were from non-English speaking backgrounds.

The Palaszczuk Government will spend a record $198.2 million over five years to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland, as announced in this year’s Budget.

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