Domestic, sexual and family violence frontline services in Queensland will be bolstered by $118 million in additional funding over the next four years.
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The state government will provide up to $36 million directly to service providers with the remaining funding to be used in supporting the sector in implementing initiatives that address a growing issue in the Sunshine State.
A recent crime report showed breach of domestic violence orders had increased in Queensland by 255.2 per cent over a nine-year period since 2013-2014.
More recently, breach of domestic violence orders have risen by 27.3 per cent from 2021-22 to 2022-2023.
Total funding since 2015 to combat domestic, sexual and family violence and improve women's safety in Queensland is now $1.9 billion.
Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath says frontline services are under immense pressure following an alarming increase in reported rates of domestic and family violence.
"This budget invests in services and staff to meet the increasing demand and support victim-survivors, whether it be by providing counselling or helping find emergency accommodation," she said.
"It will also help fund programs which will specifically try to break the cycle of violence through strategies targeting the people who use violence or are at risk of using violence.
"Our overriding goal is to end all forms of domestic and family violence and protect all Queenslanders."
Victim survivors also have access to safe spaces within all Queensland police stations following a commitment to victim-centric and trauma-informed practices.
The police service has established as of May, private, designated and secure areas within stations for people to discuss domestic violence and other traumatic matters.
Police deal with about 140,000 calls for domestic and family violence service in Queensland every year and that's tracking towards 190,000 in 2024.
Specialist support services have also received grant funding to provide increased rental and accommodation assistance to victim-survivors across Queensland.
The funding allocates 57 community organisations with grants of $45,000 to help victim-survivors who are at risk of homelessness due to violence.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Australian Associated Press
