Extra domestic and family violence services for Bowen Basin

Domestic and family violence services in Moranbah and Clermont will be boosted with an extra $1.01 million in Queensland Government funding for counselling and court support.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman visited Mackay’s Domestic Violence Resource Service (DVRS) today to announce it would receive the five-year funding to provide these services.

“The services will provide counselling and support for women escaping domestic and family violence, including information and support for victims at the Moranbah and Clermont magistrates courts on days domestic violence matters are heard,” she said.

“Support services like these are crucial in helping people experiencing domestic or family violence to break the cycle of violence by supporting them during what can be extremely harrowing times.”

The service will also provide perpetrator interventions to help them change their abusive behaviour, as well as information for male respondents in domestic and family violence proceedings at the two magistrates courts.

“When people make the brave decision to escape violent homes they need the right support in place to make them feel safe and supported,” Ms Fentiman said.

“At the same time we need to break the cycle of violence by holding perpetrators to account for their actions and ensuring they have services to help them stop using violence and abuse.

“Tackling domestic and family violence is one of our highest priorities and this is why we are continuing to provide new services across the state and in particular to regional areas.”

Mackay Domestic Violence Resource Service chief executive Dr Anne Butcher said the new funding would allow the expansion of services to make them more accessible to people in Moranbah and Clermont.

“Making support available close to where people live can make a big difference to people seeking safety from violent relationships,” Dr Butcher said.

“This funding means that Domestic Violence victims in the Moranbah and Clermont regions will not have to travel to access the vital support they need.”

The new funding is part of $198.2 million in funding over five years announced to help implement the recommendations from the Not Now, Not Ever report of the Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence.

For more information on the government’s actions to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland go to www.qld.gov.au/notnownotever

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman                                    0427 781 920