Crisis accommodation services
In accordance with recommendation 84 in the Not now, not ever report, the Queensland Government is investing in new crisis accommodation services across Queensland to help meet the immediate safety and protection needs of women and children escaping domestic and family violence (DFV).
In December 2015, new crisis shelters were established in Brisbane and Townsville following a co-design process with community stakeholders to ensure the shelters address local needs and provide localised responses.
These shelters are also piloting accommodation for companion animals (recommendation 87) to inform future models that better cater for families’ individual needs.
New shelters are also being established in Charters Towers and Roma in partnership with the non-government sector and local community. Design and commissioning of these services will also consider the specific needs of women living in rural areas, including options for women with companion animals as well as mobile support and outreach services.
Mobile support services
We are also investing in critical mobile support and outreach services for women and children escaping DFV who are residing in accommodation other than women’s shelters.
As committed to in the Second action plan of the Domestic and family violence prevention strategy, we have established a new mobile support service in the Gold Coast region.
Delivered by The Corporation of the Trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane (Centacare), the service commenced operating in March 2017 and works directly with women and their children escaping DFV to determine their needs and provide specialist support and case management, especially around risk and safety planning, counselling, support and referral for housing and other issues.
This new service is in addition to the Brisbane-based Safer Lives that supports women who are temporarily placed in motels or other accommodation when fleeing violence, and Sera’s Women’s Shelter that provides support for women in Townsville.