for our sons and daughters - cabinet...4 to reduce domestic and family violence, the queensland...
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For our sons and daughters
A Queensland Government strategy to reduce domestic and family violence 2009–2014
© 2009 The State of Queensland. All rights reserved.
Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2009–2014
Table of contents
Introduction ..............................................................................................................1
Our achievements ....................................................................................................3
Our commitment ......................................................................................................5
Our approach ............................................................................................................6
Our reforms ..............................................................................................................8
Program of action ..................................................................................................10
Our progress ..........................................................................................................16
Contents
ii
Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2009–2014
Message from the Ministers
The Queensland Government does not tolerate domestic and family violence. Women and children die as a result of domestic and family violence, people miss work and educational opportunities, may become homeless, and often become isolated from family and friends. This is not acceptable. It is preventable.
We have a long history in Queensland of supporting efforts to address the serious and complex issue of domestic and family violence in our communities.
Building on years of dedicated effort by professionals and community members, the Queensland Government put in place specific legislation in 1989 and then broadened it in 2001 and 2003 to protect people experiencing this type of violence. We have supported women’s shelters for women and children needing safe accommodation since 1983, introduced 12 regional domestic and family violence services across the state since 1991, and held a Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month each year since 1992. We established a dedicated statewide telephone service providing both a womensline and a mensline in 2002 and have had community representatives providing advice to the Minister for Communities through an Advisory Council on Domestic and Family Violence.
But we can do more to build on and strengthen our approach to make sure those experiencing domestic and family violence and those who use it, receive the right response, in the right place, at the right time. As a priority, we will establish a Death Review Panel to oversee a review of current coronial processes and practices, test a new integrated approach to prevent domestic and family violence in Rockhampton, and establish a program to support victims remaining in their homes.
We will stay focused on the needs of individuals, families and communities and on reducing the incidence and impact of domestic and family violence in Queensland. We have committed to delivering a clear program of action each year, over the five years of the strategy, to implement the reform agenda and develop new ways of responding to this very complex issue.
This will take time to achieve and we will need to continue to work with the community, private industry, service providers and Australian Government partners as we develop more effective responses. Work under this strategy will help contribute to the Queensland Government’s TowardQ2: Tomorrow’s Queensland ambitions for a fair and healthy Queensland, now and into the future.
The Queensland Government is serious about improving outcomes for the many people in our communities who experience domestic and family violence. We are also serious about changing attitudes to this type of violence. We have listened to what experts and community members have told us. It will take a whole-of-community effort to help us make a difference.
Karen Struthers Minister for Community Services and Housing and Minister for Women
Neil Roberts Minister for Police
Phil Reeves Minister for Child Safety
iv
Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2009–2014 1
Introduction
The problem
Domestic and family violence is abusive and violent behaviour used by one person to control and dominate another person within a domestic or family relationship.
Domestic and family violence is primarily perpetrated against women by a male partner or family member. However, men can also be victims and women may also be perpetrators. Domestic and family violence occurs in the variety of relationships found in contemporary society – same sex couples, families (for example, adult children against elderly parents), dating relationships and informal care relationships.
Domestic and family violence is a serious and complex issue. Existing data, although limited, indicates the significance of this issue for Queensland.
■ Dvconnect — Queensland’s helpline for women and men and advice line for professionals — received 52 676 calls during 2007–08. This is an increase of 1 375 calls from 2006–07.
■ There were 15 632 Domestic Violence Orders and 12 374 Temporary Protection Orders made in 2007–08. In 2007–08, there were 8 283 breaches of Domestic Violence Orders (Queensland Police Service Annual Statistical Review).
■ Domestic and family violence is a factor in 39 per cent of cases where children are assessed as requiring protection (Department of Communities).
■ 41 per cent of young people in a small study on remand were found to have a domestic and family violence history (Mazerolle, P. & Sanderson, J. Understanding Remand in the Juvenile Justice System in Queensland, 2008).
■ Women escaping domestic violence made up 17.2 per cent of clients accessing the Supported Accommodation Assistance Program in Queensland — the major government response to homelessness in Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2007).
■ Indigenous females were 35 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than any other Australian females (Schmider, J., and Nancarrow, H. (2007) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Violence — Facts and Figures. Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research: Mackay).
■ In 2006–07, there were 12 recorded intimate partner homicides in Queensland (Homicide in Australia: 2006–07 National Homicide Monitoring Program annual report, Australian Institute of Criminology).
2
The cost of domestic and family violence has been estimated at $13.6 billion per annum to the Australian economy (The Cost of Violence against Women and their Children, prepared by KPMG for the National Council to reduce violence against women and their children, 2009). Using a population share estimate, it can be extrapolated that the cost to Queensland is $2.7 to $3.2 billion1.
It is unacceptable that individuals and families are victimised through domestic and family violence. To make sure the human and associated economic costs are reduced for our communities, we need to work more strategically to change the situation in Queensland. This includes analysing domestic and family violence deaths to identify opportunities to intervene earlier and testing new approaches to better meet clients’ needs.
1 These figures are indicative and broad estimates only and should not be relied on as definitive costs. Please refer to the KPMG disclaimer within The Cost of Violence against Women and their Children. The Department of Communities undertakes no responsibility arising in any way from reliance placed by a third party on these figures. Any reliance placed is that party’s sole responsibility.
Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2009–2014 3
Current Queensland responses
The Queensland justice system provides both civil and criminal responses to domestic and family violence, and plays a key role in holding perpetrators accountable and supporting and protecting victims. There are also a wide range of support services and other initiatives to target domestic and family violence, working with both victims and perpetrators.
The Queensland Government’s achievements to date ■ Amending the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 1989 in 2001 and 2003 to
cover the wide range of relationships in which violence occurs. The Act also allows for the removal of the violent person from the home.
■ Funding dvconnect which provides a 24-hour womensline and mensline. ■ Expanding the Queensland Police Service Domestic and Family Violence Unit and
establishing full-time Domestic Violence Liaison Officers across the state. These units are now improving training, investigation and case management practices.
■ Establishing the Ministerial Advisory Council on Domestic and Family Violence to advise the Minister for Communities on issues relevant to domestic and family violence.
■ Sponsoring Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month which promotes the message that domestic and family violence is not acceptable, raises community awareness about the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and provides information about available services.
■ Establishing the Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence which contributes to the prevention of domestic and family violence through research, evaluation, sector development and community engagement.
■ Offering free assistance for seniors who are at risk of or experiencing elder abuse or financial exploitation through the Seniors Legal and Support Service.
■ Conducting domestic violence screening in ante-natal clinics. ■ Providing behaviour change programs for perpetrators within correctional settings. ■ Developing training resources for paramedics to assist responses to vulnerable people,
including those experiencing domestic and family violence. ■ Undertaking a range of reforms, including the Cape York Welfare Reform Trial and alcohol
and service reforms, in remote Indigenous communities.
Our achievements
4
To reduce domestic and family violence, the Queensland Government invested an estimated $147m in 2008–09. Building on this, we will spend $177.75m in 2009–10 on a diverse range of services from criminal justice services (policing and courts) to counselling and support and universal services which help to prevent domestic and family violence, including:
■ housing support such as crisis accommodation ■ regional domestic violence services ■ community services such as support groups and counselling programs ■ counselling for children who experience domestic and family violence ■ legal support and advice, and court support workers to assist people through the court
process ■ family support and education programs ■ behaviour change programs ■ maternal and child health initiatives ■ early childhood programs ■ crime prevention and health promotion initiatives ■ legal and support services for seniors who may experience, or be at risk of elder abuse ■ specialised interventions and support services in Indigenous communities and families.
Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2009–2014 5
Our vision
All people, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation or personal circumstance, are safe and live free from domestic and family violence in Queensland.
Principles ■ All people have the right to be free from violence and to be safe in their relationships. ■ The safety and wellbeing of the child will be paramount where adult interests conflict with
child interests. ■ Communities are supported to say no to violence and to foster healthy relationships within
the community. ■ Culturally appropriate approaches are required within mainstream services that provide
gateways into the service system for vulnerable groups. ■ People who are violent are held accountable and responsible for their behaviour and are
provided with opportunities to change. ■ Partnership between all levels of government, private and community services sectors and
the broader community is critical. ■ A continuous improvement approach which promotes innovation and reports on progress
and outcomes is essential.
■ A high priority must be placed on reducing harm to women and children in Indigenous communities.
We want fewer incidents of domestic and family violence in all our communities, and in particular, we want a decrease in the number and severity of family violence incidents in Indigenous communities. We want an increased rate of reporting but fewer repeat police callouts to victims, making sure we intervene earlier and more effectively. We want to see people supported more quickly to lead violence-free lives, which means swifter responses to perpetrators and flexible responses that meet the needs of victims. In particular, we want to make sure our children and young people are living free from violence.
Our commitment
6
Addressing the problem
This strategy sets out the Queensland Government’s approach over the next five years to:
■ working with Queensland communities to build zero tolerance for domestic and family violence
■ improving the support and safety of people affected by domestic and family violence ■ placing accountability and responsibility firmly on those who choose to use violence within
their relationships. It identifies key actions the government will focus on so that victims can more easily seek and receive help, and that opportunities to intervene early with perpetrators of domestic and family violence are not missed.
It takes time to change attitudes and to make inroads into addressing complex social issues. However, we are determined to build a service system that is focused on reducing the incidence and impact of domestic and family violence.
Goals ■ Communities that promote respectful relationships and have zero tolerance of domestic
and family violence. ■ Adults, children and young people experiencing domestic and family violence have access
to effective safety and support programs. ■ People who use domestic and family violence are responded to early and are held
responsible for their behaviour.
Our approach
Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2009–2014 7
We have identified five areas for reform:
1. Prevention — to support diverse communities to create environments where respectful relationships are promoted and messages against domestic and family violence are delivered.
2. Early identification and intervention — to promote training and understanding across a variety of professions, including specialist workers, to recognise and respond appropriately to the safety, needs and diversity of victims, and to perpetrators.
3. Connected victim support services — to provide effective, best practice services to adults, children and young people as early as possible that meet their safety and wellbeing needs.
4. Perpetrator accountability — to provide effective early responses that hold people who use domestic and family violence accountable and responsible for their actions.
5. System planning and coordination — to develop relevant and consistent responses aimed at reducing the incidence and impact of domestic and family violence through government and non-government partnerships.
8
Annual Program of Action
Reducing domestic and family violence will take ongoing commitment by government, the non-government sector, private industry, communities and individuals. We have developed a Program of Action that will be monitored, reviewed and adjusted to ensure we deliver on what is needed to assist people to live lives free from domestic and family violence.
A new Program of Action will be released each year, following consultation with government and non-government partners. Each Program of Action will build on the successes and learnings of the previous year, acknowledging the work that still needs to be done.
Each Program of Action over the five-year term of the strategy will focus on the five reform areas — prevention, early identification and intervention, connected victim support services, perpetrator accountability and system planning and coordination.
Key initiatives for the first Program of Action are:
Prevention ■ Launching the Guide to Social and Emotional Learning in Queensland State Schools to
support children to develop positive behaviour and constructive social relationships.
Early identification and intervention ■ Expanding domestic violence screening across the ante-natal and post-natal period to
identify women who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing domestic and family violence and provide a referral service.
Connected victim support services ■ Testing an enhanced, integrated service model in Rockhampton to improve the safety
and wellbeing of people affected by domestic and family violence, achieve higher levels of accountability for perpetrators and reduce demand on the statutory, court and human service system.
■ Establishing a safety upgrades program in the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville to assist victims to stay in their homes.
Our reforms
Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2009–2014 9
Perpetrator accountability ■ Examining risk assessment tools and evidence kits to strengthen evidence collection
which will support vulnerable witnesses in the justice system.
System planning and coordination ■ Establishing an expert Death Review Panel to oversee a review of current coronial
processes and practices, including a review of de-identified information from relevant closed coronial files which will make practical recommendations and consider options for future reviews, with a view to preventing deaths in similar circumstances occurring in the future.
■ Reviewing the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 1989 to ensure legislation is in line with new policies arising from the strategy.
For more information about the Program of Action 2009–2010, please go to www.communities.qld.gov.au
The following table shows the areas for reform, where our focus will be and the aims for the actions we will deliver over the life of the strategy to achieve a positive change in the incidence and impact of domestic and family violence in Queensland.
10
Refo
rm a
rea
Prev
enti
onEa
rly
iden
tific
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n an
d in
terv
enti
onCo
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ted
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and
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mun
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to c
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ts w
here
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spec
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elat
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are
pr
omot
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nd m
essa
ges
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nst d
omes
tic a
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fam
ily v
iole
nce
are
deliv
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.To
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ce th
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and
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d fa
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mun
ity a
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mun
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, in
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and
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spon
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lity
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thy
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tions
hips
, de
liver
mes
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s th
at
dom
estic
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viol
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will
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rate
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ster
en
viro
nmen
ts w
here
vi
ctim
s fe
el s
afe
and
supp
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see
k he
lp.
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mot
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train
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and
unde
rsta
ndin
g ac
ross
a
varie
ty o
f pro
fess
ions
, in
clud
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spec
ialis
t w
orke
rs, t
o re
cogn
ise
and
resp
ond
appr
opria
tely
to
the
safe
ty, n
eeds
and
di
vers
ity o
f vic
tims,
and
to
perp
etra
tors
.To
pre
vent
ong
oing
vi
olen
ce a
nd to
impr
ove
safe
ty a
nd w
ellb
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, a
rang
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pro
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ls
mus
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cts
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omes
tic
and
fam
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iole
nce
and
mak
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re
spon
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s w
ill m
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that
vic
tims
of d
omes
tic
and
fam
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iole
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are
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sup
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the
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ppor
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re h
elp-
seek
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r and
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sequ
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ngoi
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uppo
rt.
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vidi
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t pr
actic
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rvic
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adu
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child
ren
and
youn
g pe
ople
as
ear
ly a
s po
ssib
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at
mee
t the
ir sa
fety
and
w
ellb
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nee
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reve
nt re
occu
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scal
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d fa
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men
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port
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ices
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t wor
k to
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hild
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g pe
ople
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es
to a
chie
ve th
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afet
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d w
ellb
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. Cul
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vant
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s ar
e re
quire
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r peo
ple
from
In
dige
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and
cul
tura
lly
and
lingu
istic
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mm
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es. S
ervi
ces
mus
t al
so b
e se
nsiti
ve to
the
need
s of
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eopl
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ith a
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abili
ty, o
lder
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ple
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sbia
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ay, b
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nsge
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ple
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perie
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nd
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spon
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e ne
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ral a
nd re
mot
e pe
ople
.
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vidi
ng e
ffect
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early
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onse
s th
at
hold
peo
ple
who
use
do
mes
tic a
nd fa
mily
vi
olen
ce a
ccou
ntab
le
and
resp
onsi
ble
for t
heir
actio
ns.
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rote
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ictim
s an
d to
rein
forc
e th
e m
essa
ge th
at d
omes
tic
and
fam
ily v
iole
nce
will
no
t be
tole
rate
d an
d is
pu
nish
able
by
law
, a m
ix
of c
rimin
al a
nd c
ivil
just
ice
mec
hani
sms
mus
t be
in
plac
e. J
ustic
e re
spon
ses
mus
t be
sens
itive
to
the
need
s of
vic
tims
of d
omes
tic a
nd fa
mily
vi
olen
ce to
enc
oura
ge tr
ust
in th
e us
e of
the
law
.
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elop
ing
rele
vant
and
co
nsis
tent
resp
onse
s ai
med
at r
educ
ing
the
inci
denc
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d im
pact
of
dom
estic
and
fam
ily
viol
ence
thro
ugh
gove
rnm
ent a
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on-
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rnm
ent p
artn
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ffect
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ppor
t ad
ults
, chi
ldre
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d yo
ung
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xper
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estic
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fam
ily
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prov
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lity
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ple
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rate
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oach
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l ob
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nshi
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and
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ss
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t be
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est p
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tegr
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onal
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ss to
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rpet
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prov
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onsi
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ppor
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ovin
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g a
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ase
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ning
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l com
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enes
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d en
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t act
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esIn
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epor
ting
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cide
nts
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cato
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rral
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thw
ays
for v
ictim
s an
d pe
rpet
rato
rsR
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ll ou
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peat
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tims
Key
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crea
sed
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d va
riety
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ervi
ces
and
prog
ram
sIm
prov
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oord
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ion
betw
een
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ices
Key
indi
cato
rsIn
crea
sed
resp
onse
s to
pe
rpet
rato
rsR
educ
ed p
olic
e ca
ll ou
ts to
re
peat
vic
tims
Incr
ease
d ra
te o
f rep
ortin
g of
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dent
s to
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ice
Key
indi
cato
rsIm
prov
ed c
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sten
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f ap
proa
ch to
vic
tims
and
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etra
tors
Prog
ram
of A
ctio
n
Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence Strategy 2009–2014 11
Refo
rm a
rea
Prev
enti
onEa
rly
iden
tific
atio
n an
d in
terv
enti
onCo
nnec
ted
vict
im
supp
ort s
ervi
ces
Perp
etra
tor
acco
unta
bilit
y S
yste
m p
lann
ing
and
coor
dina
tion
Sup
porti
ng d
iver
se
com
mun
ities
to c
reat
e en
viro
nmen
ts w
here
re
spec
tful r
elat
ions
hips
are
pr
omot
ed a
nd m
essa
ges
agai
nst d
omes
tic a
nd
fam
ily v
iole
nce
are
deliv
ered
.To
redu
ce th
e in
cide
nce
and
impa
ct o
f dom
estic
an
d fa
mily
vio
lenc
e,
com
mun
ity a
ttitu
des
mus
t ch
ange
. Com
mun
ities
, in
clud
ing
fam
ily
and
frien
ds, h
ave
a re
spon
sibi
lity
to p
rom
ote
heal
thy
rela
tions
hips
, de
liver
mes
sage
s th
at
dom
estic
and
fam
ily
viol
ence
will
not
be
tole
rate
d an
d fo
ster
en
viro
nmen
ts w
here
vi
ctim
s fe
el s
afe
and
supp
orte
d to
see
k he
lp.
Pro
mot
ing
train
ing
and
unde
rsta
ndin
g ac
ross
a
varie
ty o
f pro
fess
ions
, in
clud
ing
spec
ialis
t w
orke
rs, t
o re
cogn
ise
and
resp
ond
appr
opria
tely
to
the
safe
ty, n
eeds
and
di
vers
ity o
f vic
tims,
and
to
perp
etra
tors
.To
pre
vent
ong
oing
vi
olen
ce a
nd to
impr
ove
safe
ty a
nd w
ellb
eing
, a
rang
e of
pro
fess
iona
ls
mus
t be
able
to re
cogn
ise
the
impa
cts
of d
omes
tic
and
fam
ily v
iole
nce
and
mak
e ap
prop
riate
re
spon
ses.
Thi
s w
ill m
ean
that
vic
tims
of d
omes
tic
and
fam
ily v
iole
nce
are
iden
tified
and
sup
porte
d at
the
earli
est o
ppor
tuni
ty
with
a p
ositi
ve e
ffect
on
futu
re h
elp-
seek
ing
beha
viou
r and
sub
sequ
ent
need
for o
ngoi
ng s
uppo
rt.
Pro
vidi
ng e
ffect
ive,
bes
t pr
actic
e se
rvic
es to
adu
lts,
child
ren
and
youn
g pe
ople
as
ear
ly a
s po
ssib
le th
at
mee
t the
ir sa
fety
and
w
ellb
eing
nee
ds.
To p
reve
nt re
occu
rren
ce
or e
scal
atio
n of
dom
estic
an
d fa
mily
vio
lenc
e, a
va
riety
of g
over
nmen
t and
no
n-go
vern
men
t sup
port
serv
ices
mus
t wor
k to
geth
er
bette
r. Th
e ne
eds
of c
hild
ren
and
youn
g pe
ople
mus
t be
at th
e fo
refro
nt o
f res
pons
es
to a
chie
ve th
eir s
afet
y an
d w
ellb
eing
. Cul
tura
lly
rele
vant
resp
onse
s ar
e re
quire
d fo
r peo
ple
from
In
dige
nous
and
cul
tura
lly
and
lingu
istic
ally
div
erse
co
mm
uniti
es. S
ervi
ces
mus
t al
so b
e se
nsiti
ve to
the
need
s of
wom
en, p
eopl
e w
ith a
dis
abili
ty, o
lder
peo
ple
or le
sbia
n, g
ay, b
isex
ual o
r tra
nsge
nder
peo
ple
who
are
ex
perie
ncin
g vi
olen
ce a
nd
be re
spon
sive
to th
e ne
eds
of ru
ral a
nd re
mot
e pe
ople
.
Pro
vidi
ng e
ffect
ive
early
resp
onse
s th
at
hold
peo
ple
who
use
do
mes
tic a
nd fa
mily
vi
olen
ce a
ccou
ntab
le
and
resp
onsi
ble
for t
heir
actio
ns.
To p
rote
ct v
ictim
s an
d to
rein
forc
e th
e m
essa
ge th
at d
omes
tic
and
fam
ily v
iole
nce
will
no
t be
tole
rate
d an
d is
pu
nish
able
by
law
, a m
ix
of c
rimin
al a
nd c
ivil
just
ice
mec
hani
sms
mus
t be
in
plac
e. J
ustic
e re
spon
ses
mus
t be
sens
itive
to
the
need
s of
vic
tims
of d
omes
tic a
nd fa
mily
vi
olen
ce to
enc
oura
ge tr
ust
in th
e us
e of
the
law
.
Dev
elop
ing
rele
vant
and
co
nsis
tent
resp
onse
s ai
med
at r
educ
ing
the
inci
denc
e an
d im
pact
of
dom
estic
and
fam
ily
viol
ence
thro
ugh
gove
rnm
ent a
nd n
on-
gove
rnm
ent p
artn
ersh
ips.
To e
ffect
ivel
y su
ppor
t ad
ults
, chi
ldre
n an
d yo
ung
peop
le e
xper
ienc
ing
dom
estic
and
fam
ily
viol
ence
and
to im
prov
e th
e ac
coun
tabi
lity
and
mon
itorin
g of
peo
ple
who
us
e vi
olen
ce, a
mor
e st
rate
gic
appr
oach
to
cros
s-ag
ency
pla
nnin
g,
coor
dina
tion
and
serv
ice
deliv
ery
is n
eede
d. M
utua
l ob
ligat
ions
, rel
atio
nshi
ps
and
resp
onsi
bilit
ies
acro
ss
agen
cies
and
sec
tors
mus
t be
agr
eed
to.
Key
focu
s
Bui
ldin
g co
mm
unity
ow
ners
hip
Bui
ldin
g pr
ofes
sion
al
capa
city
, kno
wle
dge
and
skill
s
Bui
ldin
g se
rvic
e sy
stem
ca
paci
tyS
treng
then
ing
just
ice
syst
em re
spon
ses
Pro
mot
ing
stra
tegi
c le
ader
ship
Achi
eved
thro
ugh
Com
mun
ity a
war
enes
s ra
isin
gP
rofe
ssio
nal a
war
enes
s ra
isin
g an
d tra
inin
gB
est p
ract
ice
serv
ices
Just
ice
and
prog
ram
in
terv
entio
nsP
olic
y, p
rogr
am a
nd
serv
ice
deliv
ery
alig
nmen
t
We
will
dev
elop
an
annu
al P
rogr
am o
f Act
ion
in c
onsu
ltat
ion
wit
h st
rate
gy p
artn
ers
aim
ed a
t:
Eng
agin
g th
e co
mm
unity
to
pro
mot
e re
spec
tful
rela
tions
hips
Bui
ldin
g co
mm
unity
ca
paci
ty to
cha
nge
attit
udes
P
rom
otin
g co
nsis
tent
and
su
stai
ned
mes
sage
s of
ze
ro to
lera
nce
Impr
ovin
g pr
ofes
sion
al
resp
onse
sIn
crea
sing
con
sist
ent
appr
oach
esE
arly
reco
gniti
on o
f vic
tims
and
perp
etra
tors
Impr
ovin
g in
tegr
ated
re
spon
ses
Impr
ovin
g ch
oice
s fo
r vi
ctim
sP
rovi
ding
the
best
mix
of
supp
orts
Dev
elop
ing
prof
essi
onal
st
anda
rds
Impr
ovin
g ci
vil a
nd c
rimin
al
just
ice
resp
onsi
vene
ss to
pe
rpet
rato
rsIm
prov
ing
resp
onsi
vene
ss
to v
ictim
’s n
eeds
In
crea
sing
col
labo
ratio
n be
twee
n ju
stic
e an
d su
ppor
t ser
vice
s.
Impr
ovin
g an
d re
form
ing
syst
ems
Impr
ovin
g m
onito
ring
and
repo
rting
D
evel
opin
g a
mor
e rig
orou
s ev
iden
ce b
ase
for
plan
ning
.
Key
indi
cato
rsIn
crea
sed
loca
l com
mun
ity
awar
enes
s an
d en
gage
men
t act
iviti
esIn
crea
sed
rate
of r
epor
ting
of in
cide
nts
to p
olic
e
Key
indi
cato
rsIn
crea
sed
refe
rral
pa
thw
ays
for v
ictim
s an
d pe
rpet
rato
rsR
educ
ed p
olic
e ca
ll ou
ts to
re
peat
vic
tims
Key
indi
cato
rsIn
crea
sed
prov
isio
n an
d va
riety
of s
ervi
ces
and
prog
ram
sIm
prov
ed c
oord
inat
ion
betw
een
serv
ices
Key
indi
cato
rsIn
crea
sed
resp
onse
s to
pe
rpet
rato
rsR
educ
ed p
olic
e ca
ll ou
ts to
re
peat
vic
tims
Incr
ease
d ra
te o
f rep
ortin
g of
inci
dent
s to
pol
ice
Key
indi
cato
rsIm
prov
ed c
onsi
sten
cy o
f ap
proa
ch to
vic
tims
and
perp
etra
tors
12
Measuring our performance
We will monitor our progress using performance indicators that will tell us if we are reducing the incidence and impacts of domestic and family violence in Queensland.
The indicators will show the benefits of our efforts in each of the reform areas. The benefits we expect to see are:
■ a reduction in the occurrence of domestic and family violence over time ■ communities where victims are safe and supported in seeking help ■ reduced tolerance of domestic and family violence in all Queensland communities ■ improved safety and wellbeing of victims and a decreased need for more intensive interventions ■ increased access to early intervention programs (such as family support, safe and stable
accommodation) for adults as well as children and young people ■ improved professional practice ■ culturally relevant programs and services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
and people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities ■ improved responsiveness to the safety and needs of older people, people with a disability
and people in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender relationships ■ increased accountability of people using domestic and family violence ■ improved partnerships in development and delivery of responses ■ reduced incidents of domestic and family violence in Indigenous communities and families ■ reduced incidents of children witnessing or experiencing domestic and family violence ■ improved awareness of, and responses to elder abuse.
The performance indicators against which our efforts will be assessed are: ■ increased rate of reporting of incidents to police ■ reduced repeat police callouts to victims ■ increased local community awareness and engagement activities ■ increased referral pathways for victims and perpetrators ■ increased provision and variety of services and programs ■ improved coordination between services ■ improved consistency of approach to victims and perpetrators ■ increased responses to perpetrators.
In addition, individual initiatives under the strategy will also have their own indicators and will be assessed for effectiveness in meeting the specific goals and objectives of the initiative.
We will report annually on: ■ what progress has been made in implementing the strategy ■ what sort of activities are being actioned under the strategy ■ how much activity is occurring ■ who is being reached ■ whether intended results are being achieved for each initiative.
Our progress
1333
-08
May
09