Lifeline's domestic violence gains three-year boost

New program funded through three-year funding boost for Lifeline.

FUNDING: Lifeline Darling Downs CEO Derek Tuffield is pleased with the new three-year funding boost for domestic and family violence. Picture: Bev Lacey

THE Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women has approved funding for $1.5 Million until March 2021 for Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Qld Ltd.

The funding will go towards the operation of the new Safer Connections program to help community organisations better support people experiencing domestic and family violence and sexual violence across southwest Queensland.

From July, the Safer Connections domestic and family violence program will be offered in Charleville, Cunnamulla, Roma and St George and surrounding districts providing practical support, referral, home safety and court support.

Safer Connections will also provide counselling and support to women and children affected by domestic violence. It will also provide court-based support and information to aggrieved respondents who attend court for domestic and family violence matters.

"We are pleased to announce that we will be delivering Safer Connections to the people of southwest Queensland.

"We will be providing direct support services as well as working closely with local well established service providers to ensure that a strong multi-agency response to issues of domestic and family violence and sexual violence is provided,” Lifeline Darling Downs CEO Derek Tuffield said.

The program will work with victims and perpetrators to ensure a holistic approach to addressing domestic and family violence issues.

A strong partnership between government and non-government organisations, and the commitment of the community as a whole is needed to prevent domestic and family violence.

Originally published as Lifeline's domestic violence gains three-year boost