MEDIA STATEMENT: Minister announces plan to strengthen DVConnect

Minister announces plan to strengthen DVConnect 

• New analysis of DVConnect to better support critical service
• Coincides with 100 Day Plan to establish working group with victims of domestic, family and sexual violence
• Enhances $31.25 million expansion of DVConnect with new north Queensland hub

Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm has announced a plan which will strengthen DVConnect, as part of a major boost to Queensland Domestic Violence services.

DVConnect fields 450 calls a day on average, connecting many callers with services on the ground across the state. Demand for help has increased by one-third in the past 12 months.

This demand is expected to surge even higher over the Christmas period, historically a more acutely pressured time in family households.

If you are in imminent danger, seek help from the police by calling 000.

The new analysis of the service sits alongside the Crisafulli Government’s 100 Days Plan which includes the establishment of a working group for victims of domestic, family and sexual violence.

The scope of the analysis will focus on three fundamental areas including accountability and transparency, demand in the system and future model.

This includes assessment of demand and data across the system and a review of options for consideration in delivering 24/7 crisis support.

Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the last assessment of this nature into DVConnect was completed in 2017.

“Under the former Labor Government, the number of victims of family and domestic violence continued to increase and whatever funding was allocated to services, was not making an impact,” Minister Camm said.

“There’s opportunity to better understand demand, but also ensure the systems we currently have designed are fit for purpose.”

Minister Camm said help is on hand at Christmas for any Queenslander experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence.

“The holiday season can present extra pressures for families who are at risk of violence and this can result in increased incidents over the Christmas and new year period,” Minister Camm said.

“DVConnect is a critical service operating 24/7.

“Over the holidays help is just one phone call away for anyone who needs it.

“More broadly this will help us work to ensure that every day of the year, Queenslanders experiencing family or domestic violence know their calls will be answered.”

It follows the announcement of the Crisafulli Government’s $31.25 million expansion of DVConnect including a new North Queensland Hub; as part of the Government’s Safer Families, Safer Communities policy.

“The expansion of DVConnect would not only help double the capacity of the Womensline and Mensline helplines but also provide better regionalised support across Queensland,” Minister Camm said.

“We are committed to improving our service across Queensland. This review will ensure we can achieve those goals at a standard that is going to support all of the other connected organisations including specialised services and police.”

The tender process will commence in the new year, and is expected to be completed by June 2025.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris McMahon 0421 000 470