Whole of Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy
Development of a Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy
In Rockhampton on 10 July 2009, the Honourable Karen Struthers MP, Minister for Communities and Housing, launched For Our Sons and Daughters - A Queensland Government strategy to reduce domestic and family violence 2009-2014 and the first year's Program of Action.
The strategy presents an opportunity to reduce the cost of domestic and family violence to the Queensland community, estimated at $2.7 to $3.2 billion per annum.
The goal of the strategy is to better protect victims, particularly women and children, by breaking the cycle of violence as early as possible. The strategy's reforms are aimed at improving the service system and reducing demand. The strategy will ensure there is a coordinated approach between agencies to improve the safety of victims and families and to hold perpetrators more accountable.
Reducing domestic and family violence will help the government achieve the ambitions of Toward Q2: Tomorrow's Queensland with impacts on health, safety, productivity and engagement in work and education and contribute to meeting Council of Australian Government targets for Indigenous 'closing the gap' and homelessness reforms.
Program of Action 2009-10
The strategy will deliver 30 initiatives under the 2009-10 Program of Action, including:
- establishing a Death Review Panel to oversee a review of current coronial processes and practices
- testing of an integrated response model in Rockhampton over two years
- establishing a safety upgrades program at the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville to support victims remaining in their homes and an increase in the use of conditions which exclude the perpetrator from remaining on particular premises, such as the family home, and
- reviewing the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 1989.
A cross-agency strategy implementation team has been established within the Department of Communities to lead the work.This team is supported by senior officers across six other agencies including thirteen service areas.
If you require further clarification regarding these issues please contact the Domestic and Family Violence Strategy Implementation Team,Department of Communities on Phone:(07) 3227 8838.
Last reviewed: 10 July 2009