New team to tackle domestic violence in Rockhampton

Rockhampton is set to be home to a new Domestic Violence High Risk Team which will strengthen the region’s response to serious cases of violence, and better protect those victims most at risk.

Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said High Risk Teams are a key tool in Queensland’s commitment to tackle domestic and family violence.

“High Risk Teams help prevent vulnerable women from slipping through the cracks.

“These highly coordinated teams identify victims of violence early, and then work with them closely to ensure their safety.” Minister Fentiman said.

High Risk Teams are made up of representatives from the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Health, the Department of Housing, and various support services.

“These agencies share critical information quickly about a woman at risk of violence and carefully manage her situation, while also monitoring potentially dangerous perpetrators.”

“Evidence clearly shows these teams are enabling faster and more targeted responses for victims and perpetrators.

“That’s why in response to recommendations made by to the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, I’m so pleased to announce High Risk Teams are being rolled out into more locations, including Townsville, Brisbane South, and Rockhampton.”

The announcement has been welcomed by Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke.

“Rockhampton will now be in an even better position to support women and children across central Queensland.”

“Through these teams we will be able to better identify and prevent domestic and family violence in our community,” he said.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said it was another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to the region.

“Our Government remains absolutely focused on doing everything we can to keep women and girls safe,” she said.

Rockhampton will add to the eight existing High Risk Teams currently operating in Mount Isa, Cairns, Mackay, Caboolture, Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan Beenleigh, and Cherbourg.

Minister Fentiman also announced more than half a million dollars in additional funding for domestic, family and sexual violence services in the region.

“We’ve allocated more than $566,000 extra funding, as part of $22.5 million being provided to services over the next three years, plus a share of additional funding also provided to Centacare and St Vincent de Paul who operate services in Rockhampton.”

“We know this funding will make a real difference to vulnerable Queenslanders most at risk,” she said.

Total funding to sexual, domestic and family violence services in Rockhampton is now more than $4.5 million for the 2022-23 financial year.

Media Contact: Clare Barnes 0497 829 747