Queensland Government backs $1.4M worth of escape help for domestic violence victims

Domestic violence victims will get more help to leave violent and abusive relationships thanks to a Palaszczuk Government-funded support service based at Chermside.

The Queensland Government will provide almost $1.4 million over five years for a new domestic and family violence counselling and case management support service in Brisbane.

Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the service would be based at Chermside with outreach services across Brisbane.

“This new service will allow us to provide counselling, advocacy and case management support to many more women who are experiencing domestic and family violence across Brisbane,” she said.

“It will build on the existing local domestic and family violence support system and make sure Brisbane women affected by domestic violence have timely access to information and support.”

UnitingCare Queensland (UCQ) has been funded to provide the new service, which will contribute to the establishment of the Brisbane High Risk Team.

Member for Stafford Dr Anthony Lynham said as a trauma surgeon he had seen firsthand the result of domestic and family violence.

“Helping women who are escaping violent relationships takes a co-ordinated effort across government and non-government agencies. We want women to know there is support available to them if they leave violent and abusive relationships.”

“The High Risk Team is about responses to victims and their children at high risk of serious harm or death due to domestic and family violence and includes high risk assessment and safety management,” Dr Lynham said.

Ms Farmer said the new service will contribute to the work of the Brisbane High Risk Team by prioritising referrals for women at high risk.

The new service could also see UCQ participating directly in the Brisbane High Risk team, when needed, as a representative of women they are working with who are at high risk.

“And when the safety plan is actioned and the high risk has been reduced, this new service will continue to provide support,” Ms Farmer said.

For more information on the Queensland Government’s actions to tackle domestic and family violence visit www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/end-domestic-and-family-violence(http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/end-domestic-and-family-violence)

ENDS

Media Contact:                      Ron Goodman             0427 781 920