More money for new Domestic violence plan

By PETER ROWE

Extra funding for domestic violence victims has been announced by the Queensland government with a new help hub to be set up in the north of the State.

A $31.25 million expansion of DVConnect including the North Queensland Hub is part of the government’s Safer Families, Safer Communities policy.

“The expansion of DVConnect would not only help double the capacity of the Womensline and Mensline helplines but also provide better regionalised support across Queensland,” Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said.

“We are committed to improving our service across Queensland.

“This review will ensure we can achieve those goals at a standard that is going to support all of the other connected organisations including specialised services and police.”

DVConnect fields 450 calls a day on average, connecting many callers with services on the ground across the state. Demand for help has increased by one-third in the past 12 months.

This demand is expected to surge even higher over the Christmas period, historically a more acutely pressured time in family households.

Ms Camp said help was on hand at Christmas for any Queenslander experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence.

“The holiday season can present extra pressures for families who are at risk of violence and this can result in increased incidents over the Christmas and new year period,”she said.

“DVConnect is a critical service operating 24/7.”