The domestic violence hotline, DVConnect, has been receiving more and more calls to the point of one call every five minutes.
The Palaszczuk Government will be providing support to help the service keep up with high demand.
State-wide provider DVConnect will receive an extra $2 million over the next two years, to assist women, men, and families when they need it most.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman said DVConnect is providing crucial support in the face of increasing pressure.
“DVConnect is a vital first port of call for victims escaping violence.
“Following a number of tragic murders of women and children across Queensland, we know that demand for specialist services remains high.
“This demand has coincided with rising public awareness about the danger of coercive control, following the release of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce report one Hear Her Voice.
“Additionally, we know the Covid-19 pandemic has compounded the complexities experienced by families impacted by domestic and family violence.
“While it is good news that more women are reaching out for support, and more men are being referred, the team at DVConnect are under increasing pressure due to the volume and nature of calls,” Minister Fentiman said.
This $2 million boost is on top of the $6.5 million provided to DVConnect in the latest state budget to support its ongoing and crucial work.
Between July 2019 – June 2022 (3 years) DVConnect responded to:
- 306, 802 (total calls);
- 157, 565 direct to Womensline;
- 17, 912 direct to Mensline.
CEO of DVConnect Beck O’Connor said the announcement comes at a time when the team are working tirelessly to answer and support every caller.
“DVConnect receives one call for help every five minutes and our counsellors are working hard to meet this demand while navigating all the complexities we’ve seen throughout the pandemic.
“Continued funding helps my team to provide a path to safety for every brave Queenslander who calls our service.”
