2014-15 has been an important year on the calendar for the efforts to put an end to domestic and family violence in Queensland.
The Special Taskforce on Domestic and Family Violence delivered its report to the Premier of Queensland in February. The report outlines recommendations that are intended to provide a framework to inform the creation of a State wide domestic and family violence prevention strategy.
The Australian of the Year award for 2015 was awarded to Rosie Batty for her powerful work as a family violence campaigner following the tragic murder of her 11 year old son, Luke, at the hands of his father.
Despite the increased profile of domestic and family violence prevention in Australia, women (and their children) as still dying and suffering at an alarming rate at the hands of current and previous partners. Australian police deal with an estimated 657 domestic violence matters on average every day of the year. That's a devastating one every two minutes.
Much of the important work RAQ does is in the space of supporting victims and survivors of domestic and family violence, and across all our programs we work with vulnerable clients, including children who have been impacted by domestic and family violence.
Our range of services within the domestic and family violence space (including male perpetrator programs) hold the safety and wellbeing of women and children as a priority, and encompass information, advice and practical support. In addition, RAQ is a strong advocate in the community for promoting healthy and respectful relationships.
Our current offerings include:
• Counselling for women
• Counselling for children
• Court support
• Service system support
• Men’s perpetrator intervention service which includes individual and group work for men who perpetrate D/FV in relationships
Through our Victims Counselling and Support Service, we are increasing our work with the Queensland Police Service who are so often the first point of contact for victims. Equally, we are focused on violence prevention in the support we provide through our family and relationship support services as well as our targeted men’s behaviour programs.
For more information or to book an appointment, call RAQ on 1300 364 277 or Victims Counselling Support Service (run by RAQ) on 1300 139 703.