Funding to help violence victims
DOMESTIC and family violence victims will be given added support after seven local support organisations were confirmed as recipients of a $5.5 million funding boost.
The funding, which was announced by the State Government last month, has been provided after support organisations experienced an increase in demand because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The North Queensland Combined Women’s Services Incorporated is one of more than 100 domestic and family violence services to receive a share of funding.
Communities Minister and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’rourke said as a result of public health measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Government was anticipating an increase in demand for services with more families restricted socially.
Health experts have warned that self-isolation measures have put victims of domestic violence at a higher risk of emotional, physical or mental abuse in a time of crisis.
“There are serious concerns for victims of domestic and family violence during the pandemic,” Mrs O’rourke said.
“This funding package has been developed as an immediate response to address the most pressing areas of need following consultations with service providers.”
Griffith University deputy head of school associate professor Jennifer Boddy said the lasting impacts of the isolation period would be determined by how quickly peak bodies acted.
Prof Boddy was also concerned for the future of women’s shelters given the ban on indoor mass gatherings and the social distancing recommendations.
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said service providers, including Coalition on Criminal Assault in the Home (North Queensland), were modifying support models around social distancing rules.
“But their primary objective is to work with victims and place them in the safest and most appropriate accommodation,” he said.
Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the funding boost would help four organisations, including Yumba Meta Housing Association, in his electorate.
“We are boosting support for essential governmentfunded services so people have somewhere to turn to and somewhere else to go,” he said.
The focus of the funding package includes boosting the capacity of the 24/7 statewide crisis service Dvconnect, including Womensline and Mensline and enabling online support, and addressing crisis accommodation needs, including transiting women to alternative accommodation.
It has also been planned to enhance specialist domestic, family and sexual violence services to meet anticipated demand, and support a new awareness campaign.