$1 Million Boost to Sexual Assault Services in Response to DNA Inquiry

An additional $1 million will be provided to Queensland’s sexual assault services to support them to respond to additional demand anticipated from victim-survivors impacted by the Commission of Inquiry into DNA testing at Queensland’s Forensic and Scientific Services.

In response to the interim report, Report concerning use by Queensland health forensic and scientific services of certain evidentiary statements, a full audit of the identified samples relating to major crime will be undertaken. 

“We recognise that this is a difficult time for victim-survivors and some may need support to manage the impact of revisiting this trauma”, Attorney-General, and Minster for Violence Prevention Shannon Fentiman said. 

“Our hard working sexual assault services are supporting victim-survivors every day and this funding will help them to continue to provide this important service as those impacted by this issue continue their journey of recovery. 

A specialist adviser will be appointed to work with Taskforce Helix to support a trauma informed response to victims who may be impacted and to facilitate appropriate referrals to support services, including for culturally and linguistically diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons.

As we begin Sexual Violence Awareness Month it’s important that we say clearly to victim survivors: we see you, we hear you, we believe you.

The Queensland government is committed to supporting our hardworking specialist sexual assault services and has increased funding by 95% since 2015 to ensure that women can access appropriate support.

The Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce also made recommendations around funding for sexual assault services in their second report and the Government is carefully considering these recommendations.

For more information about the support services available visit https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/qps-taskforce-review-dna-files

ENDS

Media Contact: Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719