DV support funding hits $9.6m
TOOWOOMBA’S new domestic violence service provider will be given more than $1.5 million a year to improve the lives of victims and hold perpetrators to account.
Ipswich-based Domestic Violence Action Centre was officially revealed as the provider for the Darling Downs by the State Government yesterday morning, and will be given $9.6 million over five years to introduce new programs and extend existing initiatives in Toowoomba.
The Chronicle revealed DVAC had taken over from Relationships Australia last month, and would introduce mobile outreach programs, perpetrator intervention schemes and general court support.
“It’s becoming more and more dangerous and serious, and we feel it’s important we have the appropriate services that focus on safety, as well as placing accountability where it needs to be placed – with the person using violence,” CEO Gabrielle Borggaard said.
The $1.671 million a year funding is more than double the $842,000 Relationships Australia received, something Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Shannon Fentiman welcomed.
“The community here is doing tremendous work, and now it’s wonderful that the State Government is increasing its funding to provide counselling for women and children, (and) court support for those difficult times when victims have to go to court to get their domestic violence orders,” she said.
“It will provide perpetrator programs, where we work with men who perpetrate violence to try and change their behaviour, so they don’t try to perpetrate violence against women in the community.
“We’ve already heard this morning that they are already training new staff.”