April 8, 2020
The State Government has announced a $5.5 million package to support domestic violence victims during the COVID-19 crisis.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the package on Wednesday.
It will include:
- $1.5 million for DVConnect
- $1.7 million for crisis accommodation
- $1.8 million for enhanced services
- $500,000 for an awareness campaign
“We know during this time of home isolation, being in your home can present its own challenges for women and for children. We are here to help you,” the Premier said.
“We want people to feel safe in their homes. No one should stay in a violent household.
“We want people to know they have someone to turn to. Somewhere to go if they need (to).”
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The LNP welcomed the announcement of extra support for domestic violence services but called for more action to tackle the State’s worsening DV crisis.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said it was clear that COVID-19 restrictions were increasing the danger faced by victims.
“This extra funding is welcome as Queensland is now experiencing an increase in domestic violence reports,” Ms Frecklington said.
“The lockdown is proving, yet again, that Queensland has a dire domestic violence problem.
“These new measures do not go far enough in protecting victims and targeting offenders.”
Ms Frecklington said the LNP had put forward a plan to deal decisively with domestic violence, and that plan should be put into action.
“The LNP’s plan will crack down hard on perpetrators while increasing the level of protection we give victims,” she said.
“But the only way to take strong action on domestic violence is through Parliament.
“I’m asking the Premier to bring Parliament back, in line with the Chief Medical Officer’s advice, so MPs can do their job and protect victims of domestic violence.”
The LNP’s package of measures to address domestic violence includes:
- Legislation to strengthen strangulation laws and increase sentences
- The introduction of a new coercive control offence
- Laws to empower police to issue domestic violence orders on the spot
- The roll-out of 200 GPS-linked personal safety alarms to warn victims when a violent former partner is approaching their location
- $2 million for frontline not-for-profit agencies, including $1 million for the Women’s Legal Service
- Emergency grants of up to $2000 to help victims flee dangerous homes
