Qld DV cases explode as women in crisis go unanswered

The state government has ordered a full review of Queensland’s biggest domestic violence support organisation after a number of complaints.

Queensland Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm. Picture: Supplied

The state government has ordered a full review of Queensland’s biggest domestic violence support organisation after a number of complaints, including calls not being answered or ringing out.

Leading support line organisation – DV Connect – will have a fine tooth comb pulled through its business, how it operates, and how its $26.1 million annual funding envelope is being spent.

An independent authority will be commissioned to conduct the review, with an interim report to be provided to Ms Cam by April and a full report due by June, before the 2025-26 budget is handed down.

It will also look at what improvements to DFV crisis response and governance are needed ahead of a $31.25m expansion to frontline DFV services in northern Queensland, with Ms Cam revealing phone calls to DV Connect were currently being diverted to Brisbane offices.

It comes after Queensland’s domestic violence crisis was laid bare this week, with police attending more than 200,000 domestic violence incidents this year and breaches increasing by 14 per cent.

Minister for Domestic Violence Amanda Camm said the review came off the back of a number of issues raised in her time in Opposition about calls going unanswered and gaps which needed to be filled.

“I will be open, there certainly were a number of complaints made to me in regards to being able to access the service and some of that was driven by pressures in demand and in the system,” Ms Camm said.

Michelle Royes from DVConnect – Photo Supplied Facebook

“It’s critical that we understand the current service, given the significant funding, that the service is operating at an optimal level and within the expectation of Queenslanders.

“The scope will focus on accountability and transparency … to make sure the service has the resources and the staff are adequately trained.

“There has been an enormous amount of money thrown at the crisis response to domestic violence and I think there are now people questioning whether it’s not making a dent.”

Ms Camm said there have been recurring incidents reported to her where people couldn’t get through to an operator when needing help.

“If someone calls that line, we expect that line to be answered.

“If the call wait time is excessive and they cant get through or the referral pathway is not meeting the needs of that client, they are things we need to understand.”

Ms Camm has confirmed 500 ankle bracelet monitors will be issued to high-risk DFV offenders in the second half of 2025.

“We will be committing that roll out as part of the next budget,” she said.

The review will assess potential reform or expansion to the men’s counselling service available to perpetrators of DFV through DV Connect.

The help line is not currently available 24/7.

“A funding envelope of almost $100m over the next four years through a 24/7 crisis response service is a significant investment by the Queensland taxpayer,” Ms Cam said.

Queensland Minister for Families, Seniors and Disability Services Amanda Camm during a press conference in Brisbane. Picture: Supplied

“If they require more resourcing, I want to understand the evidence that’s driving that before we make further commitments into the pointy end.

“Governments prior have continued to throw money at the pointy end, yet we’re seeing no real impact or no real reduction.”

Ms Cam said she had received a “number” of reports about DV Connect struggling under increasing demand.

“Undertaking this analysis is going to allow us to understand where that demand is coming from, where that growth is coming from, and how that service design is meeting that demand, or if it is inadequate, how we can better respond to it,” she said.

“This is critical with the introduction of coercive control legislation in May, I’m acutely aware that services are already under enormous pressure prior to this legislation becoming into play, and the potential demand that will also place on services as part of that reform.”

DV Connect Chair Fiona Maxwell welcomed the review, saying everyone wanted better outcomes for women and children seeking safety from violence.

“It’s absolutely important. We want to work really closely with the new government, it’s just so important that everyone is working towards the same goal,” Ms Maxwell said.

The review is expected to cost about $50,000 and be completed by June next year.

DV Connect is one of the largest funded domestic and family violence organisations in the state, with a total funding for this financial year of $26.1 million.

Ms Camm said the last time the service was reviewed was in 2017.

“Domestic violence has changed, that landscape has changed, the level of violence has changed,” Ms Camm said.

“In my time as Shadow Minister, it was brought to my attention that there were gaps in the way it interacted. Those gaps are areas where I think we can achieve improvement.

“I certainly think that part of my commissioning of this review is to ascertain the funding envelope and how it’s being spent and (ask) is it being maximised in a way that is aligned with those service demands.”

DV Connect Acting CEO Michelle Royes said they were looking forward to unpacking how the service works in the New Year while it focused on helping women at risk over the busy Christmas break escape from domestic violence.

“We are prepared for the summer period and people should feel very confident to reach out,” Ms Royes said.

The Minister urged anyone experiencing DFV this Christmas to contact DV Connect, or call Triple-0 if their life was in danger.

“When there’s a lot happening in regards to the cost of living crisis and people are feeling those pressures, if there is perpetration of violence, or if you feel at risk and you’re in imminent danger, you must call Triple-0,” Ms Cam said.