Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D’Ath said 32 services will benefit from the additional funding. Photo: Facebook.
The Queensland Government has announced it will provide an additional $3 million in funding to bolster sexual assault services and women’s health and wellbeing services from 1 January 2024.
The announcement was made on 15 November by Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D’Ath at the Centre Against Domestic Abuse in Caboolture, which will be one of the beneficiaries of some of the additional funding.
Ms D’Ath said 32 services will benefit from the funding and that the state government will continue to invest in services that put the needs of victims first.
She said that the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Personal Safety Survey found one in five women and one in 16 men surveyed had experienced sexual violence since the age of 15, and she wants to ensure that victim-survivors of sexual assault can access specialist support, which is crucial in their recovery.
“We know that women are disproportionately affected as victims of sexual assault, and it remains one of the most under-reported crimes,” Minister D’Ath said.
“While it’s good to see more victim-survivors coming forward and reporting sexual assault – this places increased pressure on our frontline sexual assault services. That’s why I’m so pleased to be able to provide a further funding boost for our dedicated and hardworking services.
“The Palaszczuk Government has increased funding for sexual assault services and women’s health and wellbeing services by 153 per cent since 2019, and we will continue to support our specialist services so that women can access appropriate support.”
Acting CEO of the Centre Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) Sue van Hoppe said her organisation was grateful for the support and to be chosen as one of the 32 organisations to receive the funding.
“These funds are more than just a financial contribution but symbolise a collective commitment to healing, justice and the empowerment of survivors,” she said.
“As the awareness around sexual assault continues to grow, there has been an increase in the demand for our services.
“This support will assist CADA to sustain ongoing service to the community, to provide care, resources and the support they deserve. Together, we are making an impact in the journey towards a safer and more compassionate world for survivors of sexual assault.”
