Relationships Australia Queensland to join Cairns police on domestic and family violence calls

A Queensland-first program aimed at better supporting domestic violence victims and holding perpetrators to account is a step closer to launching in Far North Queensland.

Cairns police and Relationships Australia Queensland will work together in responding to domestic violence incident as part of a new program set to run for two years.

A Queensland first program aimed at better supporting domestic violence victims and holding perpetrators to account is a step closer to launching in Far North Queensland.

Relationships Australia Queensland has been awarded the first contract to partner with police in Cairns in a new co-response model that will see the two services work together when responding to call-outs to DV incidents starting in July.

The contract is part of a broader $22.9 million pilot program that will run until October 2026, Attorney General Yvette D’Ath said.

“We know that similar co-response initiatives have delivered positive results, not only for victim-survivors, but also for the services involved,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Domestic and family violence is the biggest issue that police deal with everyday – these matters can be complex and distressing for our first responders.

“This trial is about improving how our system responds to DV. It will better protect victim-survivors and hold perpetrators to account.

“All victim-survivors deserve to be heard and believed when they come forward and report abuse.”

Attorney General Yvette D'Ath speaking at a Candle Lighting Vigil for National Domestic Violence Month in South Brisbane in May. Picture: David Clark

This partnership will allow a specialist DV practitioner to provide immediate support to a victim, including counselling and working on a safety plan, as well as assisting police to identify the person most in need of protection.

Specialist workers will also be able to assist police in gathering evidence and improving perpetrator accountability.

“We are committed to delivering victim-centric, trauma informed responses to domestic and family violence,” QPS Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said.

“The co-responder pilot will further support the work being done by officers on the ground to investigate matters holistically, and we look forward to working closely with partner agencies.”

The model involving joint responses from QPS and specialist DFV services was recommended by the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce in their first report, Hear Her Voice, Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said.

“Police do their best when facing DFV callouts but by having an expert embedded with them, it will ensure the process is more efficient and the right victim can be identified,” Mr Crawford said.

“By doing this, immediate support can be given to the victim-survivor while the person using violence can be funnelled into prevention programs.”

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General in partnership with QPS is leading the development, trial and evaluation of the co-response model.

A second location is expected to start in late 2024 and it will be informed by the outcomes of the trial in Cairns.

Originally published as Relationships Australia Queensland to join Cairns police on domestic and family violence calls