Funding to tackle domestic violence in the LGBTIQ+ community

Domestic and family violence in the LGBTIQ+ community is being put in the spotlight with funding of more than $155,000 to help train frontline workers.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer today visited the Queensland AIDS Council to announce they would deliver the Queer Without Fear – Domestic and Family Violence in the LGBTIQ+ Community project.

“We know domestic and family violence affects all communities, including the LGBTIQ+ community,” she said.

“That’s why projects like this are so important to ensure our frontline workers are equipped with the training and knowledge to identify these situations and know what steps to take to help victims.”

Ms Farmer said she was proud to announce the Queensland AIDS Council would deliver the new project right across the state.

“Queensland AIDS Council has a strong track record in health promotion, education and information sharing programs and they play a leading role in the LGBTIQ+ community, making them the ideal organisation for us to partner with on this project,” she said.

Ms Farmer said Queer Without Fear – Domestic and Family Violence in the LGBITQ+ Community would see content developed online and face-to-face with resources to support training across Queensland.

“We want to equip frontline workers to recognise domestic and family violence in the LGBTIQ+ community and respond to perpetrators, victims and their children,” she said.

“This project will focus on training staff in the domestic and family violence sector as well as other relevant professions so they know what to do when faced with these situations.”

Queensland AIDS Council Executive Director Michael Scott said the project was a recommendation of the Not Now, Not Ever report.

“It is wonderful that the department is funding training to upskill the sector, as previous research has shown that workers are dedicated to working with LGBTIQ community members, but previously felt ill equipped to do so,” he said.

“This project will be invaluable in supporting staff across the DV sector and the whole LGBTI community.”

The training will take place in 25 key sites right across Queensland and aims to train more than 500 frontline workers.

ENDS

Media Contact:          Ron Goodman            0427 781 920