Court support for Mount Isa families fleeing violence

Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced an important support service for Mt Isa families experiencing domestic violence will continue for the next three years.

Ms Nelson-Carr said $130,000 in funding over three years would enable the North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service to continue its good work.

“This service helps Mount Isa families who need legal support to help stop violence at home,” she said.

“It’s a sad fact that domestic and family violence knows no postcode, it's in all communities – the disadvantaged, wealthy, urban and remote, even in Mount Isa.

“It can tear families apart and fracture communities. Providing services and programs like the Court Support Service is helping empower people to stop domestic and family violence.”

Local State Member for Mount Isa Betty Kiernan welcomed the continued funding.

“Over the past year, the Court Support Service has helped some 298 people secure or maintain Domestic Violence Orders through the Magistrates Court,” she said.

“The North Queensland Domestic Violence Resource Service supported these people and others, including their children, to escape domestic violence through its crisis intervention, information and support, referral and advocacy services.

“The Resource Service works closely with other organisations and service providers to coordinate appropriate service responses.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said a new whole-of-government domestic and family violence prevention strategy was being developed to fill gaps in services and improve the support available across the State.

“The Toward Q2: Tomorrow’s Queensland vision is focused on taking action now for a fairer and stronger Queensland, and providing intervention and prevention programs like the Court Support service will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”

Media: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office 3235 4280