Queensland’s social services peak body will add domestic and family violence support to its portfolio, following funding from the State Government.
The Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) has been provided more than $1 million a year, for five years.
OCOSS CEO Aimee McVeigh said the organisation would work with the Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) sector to establish a dedicated peak body, ensuring a robust and independent voice.
“After more than 65 years serving as the peak body for the community services sector, QCOSS is well-equipped to support the development of a specialised peak for domestic and family violence services,” Ms McVeigh said.
“During the interim, QCOSS will provide advocacy for DFV services and foster their participation in policy and legislative processes.”
Ms McVeigh said the establishment of a DFV peak body enhanced the sector’s capacity to address domestic violence, support prevention efforts and respond effectively to those affected.
The funding is part of a range of DFV initiatives recently announced, following recommendations from The Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce Hear Her Voice Report One.
Following new coercive control laws in Queensland, a comprehensive training and change management framework for frontline DFV organisations, community and legal organisations and government agencies has been released.
The State Government said it offered evidence-based information and resources to assist organisations deliver consistent trauma-informed and culturally appropriate DFV training to staff and volunteers.
The framework will be supported by a $34.6m funding package that includes foundational DFV training modules, a state-wide Training Support and Coordination Service and evaluation – which will assist organisations in providing consistent training responses across the state.
The State Government will also spend $16 million to fund community organisations in urban, rural and remote Queensland to lead community education projects focused on building and embedding positive and respectful relationships.
A state-wide peer-to-peer program providing training to young people to promote healthier masculinities, building healthy relationship skills and social connections will also be established.
More information can be found on Queensland Government websites for the Primary Prevention of Violence Against Women plan and the DVF Training and Change Management Framework.
