New grants to help Queensland’s diverse communities respond to DFV

The Palaszczuk Government is providing $1 million in extra support for community organisations to respond to domestic and family violence (DFV) in the state’s culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said the Safe and Diverse Communities Grants Program was part of the government’s commitment to women’s safety in Queensland’s culturally diverse communities.

“Culturally and linguistically diverse Queenslanders can be at increased risk of experiencing domestic and family violence,” Ms Fentiman said.

“We also know that women from these communities can experience unique forms of abuse and additional barriers to reporting violence, seeking support and escaping a domestic and family violence situation.

“Too often women from these backgrounds can feel isolated, often through language barriers, and not knowing where to seek help when experiencing violence or abuse at home.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to strengthening its response to the impact of DFV on Queensland women from CALD backgrounds.

“The Safe and Diverse Communities Grants Program build on this commitment.

“The grants will support small, targeted community-led projects in diverse communities to recognise and respond to domestic and family violence.”

The grants will be available over four years to 2024, with $250,000 available each year to provide grants of up to between $10,000 and $25,000 to successful applicants.

The first round of the grants program will support community groups and organisations to deliver targeted community led projects over eight months between February and October 2022, to support and promote women’s safety and domestic and family violence prevention.

Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard said this will strengthen the capacity of Queensland culturally and linguistically diverse communities to address family violence and all forms of violence against women through innovative, culturally appropriate and tailored primary prevention projects.

“We know women are predominantly the victims of domestic, family and sexual violence,” Minister Linard said.

“And key to helping victims escape violence and access support is breaking down barriers to seeking help.

“To support culturally and linguistically diverse community organisations with applying, we are making available extra support available during the application open period including translation services,” she said

“Two online community forums will also be held during the application open period to support applicants and answer any questions about the guidelines and the process.”

Applications close 5pm Friday 12 November 2021.

For more information, and to apply visit:  https://www.qld.gov.au/safediversegrants.

ENDS

This Statement was amended on 15 October, 2021.

Media Contact:          Inga Williams              0439 949 719