Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women
The Honourable Karen Struthers

Friday, May 01, 2009

$2.5M for Women and Children to Flee from Abuse

The Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service will receive $2.5 million over three years to provide support and advocacy for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

Community Services Minister Karen Struthers said the Service provides free and confidential support for women, children, family members and individuals affected by domestic and family violence.

“These Bligh Government funds will be used to provide crisis support, information, referrals, practical assistance, advocacy and emotional support for people in need,” Ms Struthers said.

“The service also offers short-term crisis counselling and a cross-cultural service that links women to culturally appropriate organisations.

“The Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service helps change women’s lives. They assist women to develop safety plans and obtain accommodation, legal advice, court support and financial assistance.”

Minister Struthers said the Bligh Government, as part of its Toward Q2 vision, was committed to creating safer and fairer communities for all Queenslanders.

“That’s why in addition to funding domestic violence support services across Queensland, the government is supporting Family Violence Prevention Month which runs from 1 to 31 May.

“This is about sending a clear message that violence in the home is unacceptable and it should not be tolerated for any reason.”

Ms Struthers said that violence prevention was an important issue, not just in Queensland but across Australia.

“I welcome the Rudd Government’s recent Time for Action report of the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children,” she said.

“The Prime Minister’s recent announcement of over $12.5 million for a new national telephone and online crisis service shows how seriously domestic violence is being taken nationally.

“The Rudd Government has also allocated $17 million for a public information campaign to change attitudes and behaviours that contribute to violence in our community.”

Minister Struthers thanked the Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service for their work supporting women and children in need.

Media Contact: Nadine Eckert (Minister’s office) direct 3237 0993

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