A new domestic violence support hub has been opened at Springfield, south-west of Brisbane.
It is the second HOPE Hub in Queensland operated by the Beyond DV organisation.
The first, which opened in the Brisbane suburb of Carindale in March 2022, and has since recorded more than 6000 interactions.
The hubs support people with information, referrals, safety planning and long-term recovery.
Beyond DV is an Australian charity that helps people rebuild their lives after domestic and family violence, and seeks to prevent future harm through community education.
The new hub is located in the Orion Springfield Central shopping area.
It offers a safe, community-based space where people can access information and referrals to crisis services.
Victim-survivors can also receive free, confidential wrap-around support, including trauma-informed programs, counselling, money clinics, and assistance across health, housing, legal and financial needs.
Beyond DV Founder and Managing Director Carolyn Robinson said the HOPE Hub model was designed to provide accessible, discreet and practical support in a safe community setting.
“In the four years since our first HOPE Hub opened, we have seen just how great the need is,” she said.
Ms Robinson said the HOPE Hubs were often a trusted setting for frontline response, with police often conducting victim interviews within the hubs when victim-survivors felt safer speaking there.
“Sometimes people are not ready to engage with police, but they are ready to take the first step by walking through our doors,” she said.
“Anyone who feels unsafe, or who is experiencing or at risk of domestic and family violence, is encouraged to visit us seven days a week.
“We provide immediate support and can connect people with services including crisis assistance, counselling, legal support, and help to access safe and secure accommodation.”
The Springfield HOPE Hub has been supported by the Queensland Government’s $7.8 million five-year investment program to deliver three new hubs supporting victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
For more information visit beyonddv.org.au
