New service to support women in Townsville affected by domestic, family or sexual violence

Townsville women who have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence are being given a helping hand to support their recovery, health and wellbeing with the rollout of a new service.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said funding of more than $287,000 per annum was being provided to Neami National Limited to establish a new Women’s Health and Wellbeing Support Service.

“Domestic and family violence occurs in every community, and sadly we’re not immune either, which is why I have been advocating for this service to support local women and I’m very proud to have secured this service for our community,” he said.

“Rebuilding your life and moving on after experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence is a huge task and not something that happens overnight, but the support provided by this service will go a long way to helping women recover and find a way forward.

“This service is about providing longer term support, and tailoring that support to what an individual woman needs.

“Along with counselling, Neami will provide case management to help women deal with the other issues around DV itself – it might be physical or mental health services, it might be support to get their finances back on track, or help getting job ready and back into employment.

“It might be housing support or even help to parent better – whatever support is provided, it’s all crucial to helping women get back on their feet again.”

Neami National Queensland State Manager, Karen Thomas said the organisation is proud to deliver the Townsville Women’s Health and Wellbeing service, which will provide tailored and holistic support for women who have experienced domestic, family and gender based violence.

“We believe that working together in close partnerships with specialist providers, the broader health sector and the community, enables better outcomes for people. In delivering this service,” Ms Thomas said.

“We’re privileged to have the opportunity to work with Women’s Health Queensland, the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women and the local Townsville community.”  

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said more than $2.7 million per annum was being provided to nine organisations to establish new Women’s Health and Wellbeing Support Services.

“Many of these organisations already work intensively with women in their local communities, so they have a strong understanding of local needs and what kind of support is available,” she said.

“Until recently our investment in supporting people affected by domestic and family violence has been largely crisis-driven and focused on helping victims stay safe, which is incredibly important, but at the same time we need services like these to support women through the next phase of recovery.

“These new services recognise the impact of a woman’s experience of violence and trauma can have a longer term impact on her health and wellbeing. This new service will address these needs.”

Ms Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government has done more than any Queensland government before it to address domestic and family violence in the state.

“Four years in to a six year program of reform, we have delivered 104 of the 121 recommendations for government laid out in the Not Now, Not Ever report, including funding Women’s Health and Wellbeing Services across the state.

“There is still more to do, and we will not stop working to end domestic and family violence in Queensland."

ENDS

Media Contact:  Lisa Colvin - 0447 106 253