DFV integrated service commences in Redlands

• A new specialist domestic and family violence (DFV) service has commenced in the Redlands.
• The Centre for Women and Co. is leading the new High Risk Team (HRT)
• 11 HRTs will be operating across Queensland by 2025-26, following recommendations by the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce.   

A new specialist DFV service has begun operating in the Redlands thanks to the Miles Government.

The Centre for Women and Co. is leading the new Redlands-based High Risk Team (HRT) offering enhanced coordination to better respond to victims at risk of serious harm.

The organisation has provided free crisis intervention and support services to women and families, fostering a safer environment across the Logan, Beenleigh and Redlands regions for three decades.

The Redlands HRT started taking referrals in April.

HRTs coordinate and focus the efforts of government and community sector agencies to keep DFV victims safe and hold perpetrators to account.

Experienced staff from agencies, including police and health and housing services, who provide support to victims and effective interventions to perpetrators ensure that support is coordinated to keep women and children safe from DFV.

The Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce investigated the HRT model, which is a core component of Queensland’s integrated service response, recommending additional specialist initiatives in key locations across the state, and tailored support and advice for First Nations individuals and communities.

The Redlands is the tenth area in Queensland where a HRT has been established, with Rockhampton to come online next year.

New HRT funding allows for embedded First Nations Cultural Advisors to provide consideration of local protocols, languages, and family or kinship groups – with community-led organisation Five Bridges selected to provide the role for the Redlands HRT.

Further information about the HRTs and Queensland’s response to domestic and family violence can be found at: https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/about-us/services/women-violence-prevention/violence-prevention/service-providers/integrated-service-responses.

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

“This is a serious response to a serious issue.

“High Risk Teams bring government and non-government agencies together to provide timely and effective responses to keep victims and their children at imminent risk of serious violence, safe. 

“We know this initiative is bringing together health services, emergency accommodation specialists, legal professionals and law enforcement, to deliver rapid and effective assistance to our communities.

“This is what it is about – ensuring responses are integrated, and able to identify the most effective ways we can help victims of violence and hold perpetrators accountable in Queensland’s criminal justice system.

“My thanks also go to the Centre for Women and Co and the community-led organisation Five Bridges, which will provide a First Nations Cultural Advisor to support the work of the Redlands team.

“We will continue to evaluate and support government and community services that are helping address domestic and family violence in our state.”

Quotes attributable to Redlands MP, Kim Richards:

“I am pleased to highlight the dedicated work of the Centre for Women and Co, which will lead the Redlands HRT and enhance the region’s capacity to provide critical support to those facing increased risks of domestic and family violence.

“We know domestic and family violence is a scourge on our society.

“By bringing together all the relevant agencies on this Redlands HRT we will be able to better respond to victims at risk, and hold perpetrators to account.

“I am proud to be a member of a government that supports victim-survivors and is continuing to implement meaningful reforms to make a difference in the lives of women and children across Queensland.”

ENDS