DFSV sector receives $36m funding boost

•  Funding to respond to domestic, family and sexual violence to be boosted by $36 million in 2024-25
• This is a 20 per cent increase in funding to DFSV service providers across the state, to meet increasing demand and pressure on services
• The increase is part of an ongoing commitment to fund responses to DFSV and improve women’s safety in Queensland

The Miles Government will boost funding to the domestic, family and sexual violence sector by $36 million next financial year.

On the eve of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Premier Steven Miles announced the 20 per cent increase to funding, which will help the sector meet an increase in demand.

The ongoing funding will help fund:

• Frontline domestic, family and sexual violence services
• Programs to take action to address behaviours of persons using violence; and
• New programs that fill gaps in service delivery across the state.

This takes the government’s funding for DFSV services to nearly $214 million for 2024-25.

The government has committed $1.75 billion in funding to fight domestic, family and sexual violence in the state and to improve women’s safety.

This includes the $588 million package in response to 277 recommendations from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce’s two reports and $100 million in response to the Independent Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland Police Services responses to Domestic and Family Violence.

Earlier this month, the government announced almost $55 million in domestic and family violence initiatives, including the appointment of QCOSS to establish the new domestic and family violence sector’s peak body, a new training framework to help organisations deliver consistent, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate training, and a new Training Support and Coordination Service.

As part of that funding package, the government also released Queensland’s Plan for the Primary Prevention of Violence Against Women 2024-2028, a blueprint to stop violence from occurring in the first place.

Quotes Attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“No person should ever live in fear that someone they love could hurt or kill them.

“Any violent death is incomprehensible but to lose your life at the hands of someone you loved is just abhorrent.

“Devastatingly, we know that more than 50 per cent of young people who are exposed to domestic and family violence at home, go on to offend.  That is why prevention and detection is just so critical.

“It’s clear to me that more needs to be done to stop these monsters and organisations in the sector are making huge strides towards that goal.  We will always invest in what we know works. 

“May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month - a time to raise awareness and send a message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.

“While my government is taking strong action, I will be advocating for a greater national approach to domestic and family violence when national cabinet convenes on Wednesday.

“Together we are stronger and as a nation, we can come together to put a stop to the violence.”

Quotes Attributable to Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D’Ath:

"Just this past weekend we have witnessed thousands of victim-survivors of domestic, family and sexual violence and their supporters, rally around the country demanding action.

"We need them to know we are listening but also taking action to address this terrible scourge that has festered in our communities for far too long.

"The Miles Government will always listen and act when it comes to women’s safety and tackling violence against women.

"That’s why since 2015, we’ve committed more than $1.75 billion to end domestic, family and sexual violence and improve the experiences of women and girls in the criminal justice system.

"This new funding will further support victim-survivors to access the specialist support they need to recover and rebuild their lives.

"We know that services continue to experience high demand and it’s critical that we continue to support women when they come forward.

"We will continue to work with our hard-working DFSV services to discuss and understand their demand pressures to inform future funding priorities."

Quotes Attributable to Ending Violence Against Women Queensland president Amie Carrington:

“We welcome the Premier’s personal commitment and leadership to take action. The whole sector is galvanized on the urgent need to address this crisis.

“We all have a responsibility to listen to the voices of victim survivors and act to make real change for future generations.”

Quotes Attributable to DVConnect CEO Beck O’Connor:

“Everyday I witness the barriers and traumas women, children and men must navigate to seek safety, justice and healing.

“This investment in specialist services is an important step forward in ensuring that people get the right service at the time they need it.”

ENDS