Queensland says: not now, not ever - prevention strategy 2016-2026
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Queensland says: not now, not ever.
prevention strategy
2016–2026
Queensland’s reform program to
end domestic and family violence
Message from the Premier
and the Minister
Everyone, regardless of their sex, religion, race, nationality, language, living
arrangements or relationships, has the right to live free from the fear of violence
and be safe in public and at home.
Violence perpetrated in the home or among family members is as much a matter
of public concern as crime in the streets and must never be accepted or excused.
As a community, we all need to take up the challenge of ending domestic and
family violence. We are confronting domestic and family violence. It has no place
in Queensland society.
We want to give people hope. Our strategy for Queensland, ‘Queensland says: not now,
not ever.’, is about hope backed by a vision for real and lasting change—a cultural
transformation. This strategy outlines a positive plan of action to address domestic
and family violence. It has a strong focus on prevention—stopping the violence before
It is time to take action. it happens—and supporting those living with violence.
Domestic and family Cultural change requires a long‑term commitment from everyone in the community
violence, in all forms, to effect genuine change in our beliefs and behaviours. The Queensland Government
is a violation of basic will demonstrate leadership but is not equipped to bring about cultural shift on its own.
It is going to take a coordinated and united effort. It is going to take all Queenslanders
human rights. to take a stand, step up and commit to change. Everyone in our community must make
it clear that we will not tolerate the behaviour of anyone who hurts another person
within a relationship of intimacy and trust.
Our business, religious, sporting and community leaders need to help drive this
change. They must do more in condemning violent behaviour, modelling respectful
behaviours and supporting victims of abuse. Community champions must step up
and show us how they will tackle this issue.
Thank you to everyone that has been involved in our community collaboration program
and provided invaluable feedback on how we can work together to end domestic and
family violence. Your experiences have helped to shape our reform program to ensure
we can build safe, caring and connected communities.
Together we can end the violence.
Annastacia Palaszczuk MP Shannon Fentiman MP
Premier and Minister for the Arts Minister for Communities,
Women and Youth and Minister for Child
Safety and Minister for the Prevention
of Domestic and Family Violence
i Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceTable of contents
What is domestic and family violence?������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
Understanding domestic and family violence������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2
What is a victim, or survivor, and a perpetrator?�������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
Making the elimination of domestic and family violence a priority������������������������������������ 5
Why is there a need for a strategy?�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
Building on recent achievements����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
How Queenslanders shaped the strategy�������������������������������������������������������������������������������11
How will the strategy operate?���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
Our vision�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
Key outcome��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
Foundational elements�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
Supporting outcomes����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17
Guiding principles����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19
Partner strategies������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������20
How will we deliver action?������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21
How will we be accountable?���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 23
How will we know if we have made a difference?����������������������������������������������������������������� 25
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 iiWhat is domestic and family violence?
Domestic and family violence occurs when one person in
an intimate personal, family or informal carer relationship
uses violence or abuse to maintain power and control over
the other person.
Broadly, under Queensland law, it includes behaviour that is
physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically or economically
abusive, threatening, coercive or aimed at controlling or dominating
another person through fear. The violence or abuse can take many
forms ranging from physical, emotional and sexual assault through
to financial control, isolation from family and friends, threats of
self-harm or harm to pets or loved ones, constant monitoring of
whereabouts or stalking.
Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld),
intimate personal relationships include married and defacto
spouses; parents of a child; people who are, or were engaged; and
people in couple relationships, including same-sex couples. Family
relationships exist between two people who are related by either
blood or marriage, including extended or kinship relationships
where a person is regarded as a relative. Informal care relationships
exist where one person is or was dependent on another person for
help with essential daily tasks, such as dressing or grooming, meal
preparation, grocery shopping or arranging medical care, where care
is provided other than on a commercial basis.
1 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceUnderstanding domestic
and family violence
The causes and Significant research has been and delivering effective responses
undertaken and continues to be and reforms.
contributors to domestic pursued to understand the nature of
There are other particular groups and
and family violence domestic and family violence, and the
individuals that are more vulnerable
causes of increasing incidence and
are extremely complex to domestic and family violence than
severity. However, what is already well
others in the community. We know
and are founded in known is that whilst men can be, and
these individuals and groups may
cultural attitudes and are, victims of violence, coercive control
experience domestic and family
and domestic and family violence
behaviours, gender homicide, undeniably the majority of
violence in a different way to other
Queenslanders, or face additional
inequality, discrimination those subjected to domestic and family
challenges when attempting to get
and personal behaviours violence are women.
the protection and support they need.
and attitudes. The 2012 Australian Bureau of Statistics
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Personal Safety Survey indicates that
women experience domestic violence
one in six Australian women has
One in six experienced physical abuse at the
hands of a current or former partner
and family violence more often than
other Queensland women and are
Australian women has more likely to be seriously injured.
compared with one in 19 Australian
experienced physical abuse They are also more likely to experience
at the hands of a current or men. One in four Australian women
family violence from a broader range
former partner has experienced emotional abuse
of extended family relationships. The
in an intimate relationship compared
impact of past trauma is a contributing
One in 19
with one in seven men1.
factor for violence in Aboriginal and
Domestic and family violence is Torres Strait Islander communities.
Australian men has recognised in the National Plan to Other situational factors that
experienced physical abuse Reduce Violence Against Women and contribute to violence, include poverty,
at the hands of a current
their Children 2010–2022 as one of unemployment, drug and alcohol use,
or former partner
the two main forms of violence against and poor health. In addition, other
women in Australia, the other being significant factors impact including
One in four sexual assault.
Understanding the gendered nature
language barriers, the availability of
culturally responsive services in all
Australian women has locations, and limited knowledge
experienced emotional abuse of domestic and family violence and
and understanding of Queensland’s
at the hands of a current or the factors that contribute to increased
former partner laws regarding domestic and
vulnerability is vital in designing
family violence.
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics 4906.0 ‘2012 Personal Safety Survey’.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 2People from culturally and linguistically While older people also experience People with disabilities are also highly
diverse communities who experience violence within couple relationships, vulnerable to domestic and family
domestic and family violence also they are more vulnerable to abuse from violence. Both men and women with
face additional barriers to service other family members and from carers. disabilities are victims of domestic
and support, such as English The World Health Organisation defines and family violence at much higher
language proficiency, knowledge or elder abuse as behaviour that causes rates than men and women without
understanding of Queensland’s laws harm or distress to an older person impairments and women with
against domestic and family violence, within a relationship where there is an disabilities experience higher levels of
dependence on a violent spouse expectation of trust. This may involve sexual abuse. People with disabilities
for their visa status, and distrust of physical violence, psychological abuse, can also experience ‘disability-related’
police and government authorities financial abuse, social isolation, sexual abuse such as withholding of care,
based on past trauma. Victims with abuse or neglect. Older people face denial of access to disability aids and
few connections outside their cultural particular barriers to seeking help threats of institutionalisation. They can
community are particularly vulnerable for elder abuse, including physical face additional barriers to seeking help
to social isolation. disability, diminished cognitive for domestic and family violence such
functioning, lack of awareness that as dependence on the perpetrator for
People who identify as lesbian, gay,
their experiences amount to abuse, basic needs such as access to food
bisexual, transgender or intersex
and social isolation. and medication, lack of ability to earn
(LGBTI) may also experience violence
income, and inability to communicate
in their relationships. In addition
with support services.
to the types of violence and abuse
experienced within relationships in the
broader community, abusive partners
or family members may threaten to
‘out’ victims as a method of control. COMMUNITY ACTION
Unfortunately people identifying
as LGBTI may also be deterred from Domestic and family violence is already being recognised across
seeking help due to past experience Queensland as unacceptable. Many dedicated and passionate people
of discrimination or other unhelpful and communities have already made elimination of domestic and family
service responses. violence a priority. It is not possible in these pages to highlight them all, but
throughout this strategy some outstanding examples of community action
are provided to acknowledge the achievements and inspire others to act.
3 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceWhat is a victim, or survivor, and a perpetrator?
During the community collaboration program for the draft
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy, there were
many conversations about the appropriate use of terms to refer
to individuals who are experiencing or have suffered domestic
and family violence and those who commit acts of domestic
and family violence.
The Oxford Dictionary defines:
Vic�tim (‘viktim)
noun: a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime,
accident, or other event or action.
Sur�vi�vor (səˈvʌɪvə)
noun: a person who survives, especially a person remaining alive
after an event in which others have died.
Per�pe�tra�tor (ˈpə:pətreɪtə)
noun: a person who carries out a harmful, illegal or immoral act.
For the purposes of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention
Strategy, the term ‘victim’ has been used to represent those who
have been affected directly or indirectly by domestic and family
violence. The term ‘victim’ can also be read interchangeably as
‘survivor’ in acknowledgement that people can survive domestic
and family violence and move on with their lives. The term
‘perpetrator’ is used to represent those individuals who have
carried out these actions.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 4Making the elimination of domestic
and family violence a priority
Domestic and family violence is a
Each and every Domestic and family violence affects
people of all ages, faiths, and major cause of homelessness and
Queenslander has the circumstances across the Queensland housing instability and has significant
right to feel safe, and be community, whether people live in our long‑term impacts on the health and
cities or in remote, rural and regional well-being of victims. Children who
safe, especially in their
areas. It ruins families, destroys live with domestic and family violence
own home. Domestic childhoods and is an unacceptable are at greater risk of abuse. They can
and family violence is burden on our society. also suffer serious impacts on their
ability to learn and develop positive
a violation of this basic Experiencing abuse at the hands of
relationships with others and may be at
a partner or family member can result
human right. in devastating emotional and personal
heightened risk of alcohol misuse, drug
dependency and criminal behaviour
costs that cannot be measured. The
later in life. The Queensland Child
effects are far reaching—impacting
In 2014–15, Death Case Review Committee report for
29 homicides
on victims, their children, families,
2013–14 identified domestic and family
friends, co-workers and ultimately
violence as an issue for 71 per cent of
on our communities.
cases involving the death of a child
relating to domestic and family violence
with recent involvement with the child
occurred in Queensland.
protection system.
In 2014–15,
71,775
incidents of domestic and family violence
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS ARE FORMED BY HEALTHY CHOICES
were reported to Queensland police. The Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service collaborated with
Wuchopperen Health Service and Wangetti
$2.7 billion College to produce a short film entitled
‘Healthy Relationships are formed by Healthy Cairns
to $3.2 billion Choices’. The film’s content was developed location
—the estimated annual cost of domestic and by the students of Wangetti College and
family violence to the Queensland economy discusses what can be done to maintain Young people
healthy relationships. interest group
5 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceDomestic and family violence not
only has personal impacts, including
long‑term impacts on victims’ capacity
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER MALE
to be economically independent and
LEADERS PLEDGE TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
secure, it also costs the Queensland
economy between $2.7 billion
In June 2015, the Queensland Government convened a number of
and $3.2 billion annually. As a
roundtables with community and business leaders to discuss the role of the
workplace issue, Access Economics
community in creating cultural change and to encourage leaders to become
found domestic violence costs
champions of change to end domestic violence.
employers across Australia about
$175 million annually2. At the roundtable attended by male Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
leaders, the attendees developed a pledge to end domestic and family
The 2009 KPMG report on ‘The Cost
violence. This is a short extract of the pledge:
of Violence Against Women and their
Children’ stated that if no preventive • We, the undersigned, met with Minister Pitt on the afternoon of 24 July
action is taken, the cost to the 2015 to talk about the ‘Not Now, Not Ever’ Report on Domestic and
Australian economy overall is projected Family Violence.
to be $15.6 billion by 2021–223. • We endorsed a view that violence in any form is never to be tolerated
Making the elimination of domestic and and is not acceptable in any circumstance.
family violence a priority recognises our • We collectively apologise to all victims of family violence, especially our
human rights and will reduce homicides women, children and Elders for the hurt they have experienced and pledge
in Queensland, make our workplaces our support to you.
more productive, free up significant
• We undertake to ‘call out’ our relations and friends who ever commit any
economic resources for other priorities,
form of violence at any time.
and contribute significantly to making
our homes and communities safer and • We call on all governments to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
free from violence for all women, men, Islander communities and organisations to put in place initiatives that
children and families. support victims of family violence to be safe and healed and initiatives
that ensure perpetrators are held
accountable for their actions and are given
opportunities to change their behaviour. Queensland
location
• We here today pledge to support one
Aboriginal and
another to put these statements into Torres Strait
meaningful action. Islander men
interest group
2. Access Economics, The cost of domestic violence to the Australian economy, Office of Women, 2004, .
3. The National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children, The Cost of Violence against Women and their Children, Commonwealth
of Australia, 2009, .
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 6The Taskforce report, The report authored by the Special While men can also experience violence
Taskforce on Domestic and Family of this nature, domestic and family
“Not Now, Not Ever: Violence in Queensland, chaired by violence remains a gendered issue
Putting an End to the Honourable Quentin Bryce AD in that it has an unequal impact on
CVO, contained 140 recommendations women. The Taskforce report issued
Domestic and Family
for change with a focus on providing a number of challenges to different
Violence in Queensland” practical solutions under three themes: groups within the Queensland
was presented to the changing culture and attitudes, community to take a stand against
implementing an integrated service domestic and family violence with a
Premier of Queensland, response, and improving the law strong message for all Queenslanders
the Honourable and justice system. that each and every person can make
Annastacia Palaszczuk MP At the core of the Taskforce report
a difference.
on 28 February 2015. was the recognition that the beliefs, Recommendation 1 of the Not Now,
attitudes and behaviours of the Not Ever report is for the Queensland
Queensland community are directly Government to develop a Domestic
related to the ongoing cycle of domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy
and family violence. The report to lay the foundations and create the
reiterated that women and children building blocks for a Queensland free
of all ages remain the primary victims from domestic and family violence.
of domestic and family violence.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRAINING FOR MIDWIVES
Griffith University and Gold Coast University Hospital are running a new
midwifery-training program, which targets domestic violence issues and
education during the antenatal process.
Overseen by Dr Kathleen Baird, the program
involves training midwives to identify women Gold Coast,
experiencing abuse and how to refer them Redlands, Logan
location
directly into the local women’s and children’s
domestic violence community support
agencies. The program will also be run out of Pregnant victims
Logan Hospital and Redlands Hospital. interest group
7 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceWhy is there a need for a strategy?
Domestic and family The Queensland Government is This strategy will be successful as a
committed to taking action to eliminate result of working in partnership with
violence is not a new domestic and family violence. However, well-established service providers.
issue. There has been a we recognise that domestic and It will not only build on current
family violence must be everyone’s successful practices, but also develop
great deal of action and
concern and both government and new responses and initiatives
commitment over many the community have a responsibility where required.
decades. Despite this to work together. Together we must
The Queensland Government is also
stop the behaviour and attitudes
effort, the reported rates that trivialise, excuse or perpetuate
developing a complementary plan that
will address the elimination of violence
and severity of domestic domestic and family violence. Men
against women including domestic and
and family violence play an important role in leading and
family violence and sexual assault.
supporting the community in the
continue to rise. prevention of domestic and family
violence. Men and women must unite to
end this form of violence in our society.
SAKINA INC.
Sakina Inc. is a domestic and family violence shelter for Muslim women
in the Brisbane and Logan regions. It provides support to Muslim women
needing shelter from domestic violence, and
has assisted more than 23 women in the past
Brisbane/
12 months. Logan
location
Funded by the Muslim community, many involved
with Sakina do so on a voluntary basis, including
Muslim
providing voluntary social work support to victims community
fleeing abuse. interest group
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 8Building on recent achievements
Ending domestic and National Plan to Reduce Council of Australian
family violence is a Violence Against Women Governments (COAG)
long‑term journey of and their Children
COAG has agreed to take action to
reform. The national address the unacceptable level of
The National Plan to Reduce Violence
focus on violence against Against Women and their Children violence against women. A national
women presents a 2010–2022, endorsed by the Council domestic violence order scheme
has been agreed where domestic
powerful opportunity of Australian Governments (COAG),
violence orders will be automatically
envisages that Australian women
for Queensland to build and their children will live free from recognised and enforceable in any
on the existing momentum violence in safe communities. It state or territory of Australia. Work is
targets two types of violence against progressing on a national information
and commitment to system to give effect to the scheme
women—domestic and family violence
achieve practical and and sexual assault. The national plan that will enable courts and police
sustainable solutions. sets out six national outcomes for all in different states and territories to
governments to deliver over a 12-year share information on active domestic
period. The national outcomes are: violence orders. COAG will consider
national outcome standards to ensure
1. Communities are safe and free
perpetrators are held to account at the
from violence
same standard across Australia. COAG
2. Relationships are respectful will consider strategies to tackle the
3. Indigenous communities are use of technology to abuse women
strengthened and to ensure women have adequate
4. Services meet the needs of legal protections against this form of
women and their children abuse. COAG has also agreed to jointly
experiencing violence contribute $30 million for a national
campaign to reduce violence against
5. Justice responses are effective
women and their children.
6. Perpetrators stop their violence
and are held to account. COAG will be assisted with this work by
the COAG Advisory Panel on Reducing
The national plan focuses on preventing
Violence Against Women.
violence by raising awareness and
building respectful relationships in the
next generation. As well as focusing on
prevention measures, it will support
women who have experienced violence
to rebuild their lives as quickly as
possible as part of a community
wide response.
9 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceInternational agreements Queensland’s Child
and Family Reform
The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights contains human rights standards Queensland’s Child and Family
and customs agreed to by nations of Reform, developed in response to
the world. These agreements promote, the Queensland Child Protection
at the most basic level, the right of each Commission of Inquiry, has a strong
and every individual to live free from focus on improving service responses
violence of all kinds, including physical, for children and their families who
sexual and psychological violence. are affected by domestic and family
In December 1993 the United Nations violence. Where appropriate, the
Declaration on the Elimination of government will look for opportunities
Violence Against Women was adopted to further align the child and family
without vote, in recognition that in reform with reforms in the domestic
order for women to experience the full and family violence area in recognition
benefits of principles enshrined in the of the connectedness between
UN Declaration of Human Rights, it must harm to children and domestic
also be a priority to eliminate violence and family violence.
perpetrated against them.
SAFER FAMILIES, BETTER COMMUNITIES #SAFERFAMILIES
In October 2015, Queensland councils staged marches and rallies to
send a powerful message that family violence would not be tolerated
in their communities. Over 40 council regions and hundreds of people
were involved. Volunteers at the events
collected donations for domestic violence
support services. Queensland
location
The campaign used #SaferFamilies to spread
the message via social media and aimed to
encourage statewide solidarity in addressing Community
domestic violence. interest group
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 10How Queenslanders shaped
the strategy
From 18 August until This vision was recommended by the also broad endorsement of the three
Special Taskforce on Domestic and foundational elements—i.e. community
16 November 2015 the Family Violence in the report Not Now, attitudes and behaviours; integrating
government engaged with Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic service responses; and strengthening
and Family Violence in Queensland. justice system responses.
the community to seek
Feedback from service sector providers, General themes that emerged from
input and insights from
community leaders and the general the roundtables and online survey
all Queenslanders on public was achieved through a variety included:
the draft strategy and its of methods. • the need for the general community
ability to realise the vision About 1300 individuals provided to understand that domestic and
feedback on the draft strategy. family violence consists of a broad
of a Queensland free range of behaviours, not just physical
This feedback was achieved via the
from domestic and family ‘End Domestic and Family Violence’ abuse
violence. website with an online survey and • questioning the use of the terms
option to upload submissions; a series victim, survivor and perpetrator
of roundtables across the state with
• calling for a greater focus on
service providers and community
perpetrators through tougher
leaders plus two additional roundtables
domestic and family violence laws
with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
and provision of services to assist
Islander women and Aboriginal and
perpetrators to reform
Torres Strait Islander men; and a series
of public information hubs in key • the need for educational initiatives
centres across the state. from an early age available in all
educational settings
High-level outcomes of the community
collaboration process showed there • ensuring the strategy is inclusive
was broad support for the vision and of all genders.
purpose of the strategy. There was
11 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceThe feedback received was carefully
considered, and, as a result, the
strategy—including the supporting QCOSS DIRECTORY OF MIGRANT AND REFUGEE
outcomes and the foundation action WOMEN’S GROUPS
plan—have been refined.
In addition to the valuable insights The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) is the statewide peak
that have shaped the final strategy body for individuals and organisations working in the social and community
and foundation year action plan, the service sector.
collaboration program also sought
Multicultural workers in the Community Action for a Multicultural Society
to continue to empower leaders to
(CAMS) and the Local Area Multicultural Partnerships (LAMP) programs,
take positive action within their own
contributed to this directory, to ensure
communities to create genuine change
migrant and refugee women had current
for the future. The selection of initiatives Queensland
service information. The directory includes
and programs showcased throughout location
a wide range of organisations and services,
this document demonstrates that
including domestic and family violence
everyone has a role to play and Migrant and
support services, sexual and women’s health refugee women
everyone can take action.
services and other women’s focused services. interest group
SOUTH WEST REGION DRAFT DOMESTIC AND FAMILY
VIOLENCE PREVENTION STRATEGY 2015–2016
The Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC) and the South West Regional
Partnership hosted a forum on domestic and family violence.
The forum enhanced collaboration amongst
service providers, community leaders and Ipswich and
surrounds
the community and produced a South West location
Region Draft Domestic and Family Violence
Prevention Strategy for 2015–16. The strategy
will drive ongoing action. Community
interest group
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 12Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy
VISION: a Queensland free from domestic and family violence
STRATEGY
pr
ry ev
ve Queenslanders take a
e
nt
co
zero tolerance approach
to domestic and
io
re
family violence
n
Everyone, everywhere feels
safe, supported and protected Respectful relationships and
from all forms of domestic non-violent behaviour are
and family violence
The justice system deals embedded in our community
effectively with domestic Wherever people live, learn,
and family violence work and play, they respect
The system is safe, fair, and value each other
supportive, efficient
and coordinated
KEY OUTCOME
All Queenslanders
live safely in their own
homes and children Queensland community, business,
Perpetrators stop using can grow and develop religious, sporting and all
violence and are held in safe and secure government leaders are taking
to account environments action and working together
Cultural change is led by communities
Systems are in place to
across Queensland, working together
ensure perpetrators receive
to protect and support victims and
appropriate sanctions
model respectful relationships
and access to assistance
to stop using violence
n
Queensland’s workplaces
cr
tio
and workforce challenge
Victims and their families attitudes contributing
isi
are safe and supported to violence and effectively
en
Integrated services are all support workers
sr
es
rv
inclusive to respond, rebuild, Workplaces recognise domestic
po te
empower and create economic and family violence as
ns
independence a workplace issue and
in
e
support workers
ly
ear
13 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceFOUNDATIONAL
ELEMENTS DELIVERY EVALUATE
Community
attitudes and
action plan Assess
behaviour
Monitor Review
2022–23 to
Action plan
2025–26
Adjust
Integrating
service
responses Definitions
Rolling program
of action plans.
Each action plan
A broad range of activities
will be evaluated constitute domestic and
2019–20 to
Action plan
2021–22
and reviewed.
family violence including
Outcomes from this
Strengthening process will inform physical, verbal, social,
justice system the following economic, psychological,
responses action plan.
cultural/spiritual,
sexual and emotional.
Action plan
2016–17 to
Vic�tim (‘viktim)
2018–19
noun: a person harmed, injured, or killed
as a result of a crime, accident, or other
partner event or action.
strategies
Government
Sur�vi�vor (səˈvʌɪvə)
noun: a person who survives, especially
Business a person remaining alive after an event
Action plan
2015–2016
Establish the in which others have died.
foundations and
Community
create the framework
Religion
to drive change Per�pe�tra�tor (ˈpə:pətreɪtə)
noun: a person who carries out a harmful,
illegal or immoral act.
*Definitions from the Oxford Dictionary
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 14How will the strategy operate?
This strategy sets the Our vision Foundational
direction for ending
The vision of the Domestic and Family elements
domestic and family Violence Prevention Strategy is:
violence in Queensland. The three foundational elements
a Queensland free from underpinning the strategy are:
It outlines a shared
domestic and family 1. A significant shift in community
vision for Queensland attitudes and behaviours
violence.
and a set of principles 2. An integrated response system that
to guide action across delivers the services and support
the community. Key outcome that victims and perpetrators need,
and
The primary long‑term outcome 3. A stronger justice system response
of the strategy is: that will prioritise victim safety and
hold perpetrators to account.
all Queenslanders feel These foundational elements reflect
safe in their own homes the themes which shaped the Taskforce
and children can grow report. The taskforce themes are
well recognised by the Queensland
and develop in safe and community and will continue to shape
secure environments. the long‑term strategy to end domestic
and family violence.
The Taskforce report set the vision
and key outcome for the strategy.
Community feedback demonstrated
strong support for these visionary
statements for Queensland.
15 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceAt the centre of the strategy are these The success of the strategy is
foundational elements. The reforms dependent on the creation of effective
that will be put in place will aim to working relationships between the
recognise the victim’s perspective, government, the community, business
prioritise their safety and reduce and professional sectors, service
the onus on them to take action or providers and the legal sector.
to leave. Effort will be focused on
The supporting outcomes of the
educating front-line professionals to
strategy will be delivered through four
help recognise and respond to prevent
action plans over a ten-year period.
domestic and family violence, creating
The strategy and its action plans are
safe communities and workplaces that
designed in a chronological order,
support victims, providing effective
recognising the need to continually
services that efficiently wrap around
build on our achievements.
the victim, and ensuring our legal
system supports victims and holds
perpetrators to account.
The strategy recognises the need
to build support around those who
are particularly vulnerable or have
specific and complex needs and are
therefore at greater risk of domestic
and family violence than others or
face greater challenges in accessing
support services. There will be
targeted strategies to meet the specific
needs of these vulnerable groups
including Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples. Further work will
also be undertaken to improve the
responsiveness of the service system
to support culturally and linguistically
diverse communities.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 16Supporting outcomes
The high-level outcome is underpinned the community, by community leaders, 4. Queensland’s workplaces
by seven supporting outcomes. These social and sporting organisations and and workforce challenge
outcomes will help us to understand leaders of faith. attitudes contributing
what we are wanting to achieve. to violence and effectively
The entire education system—from
They are aligned with and support
childcare through schools to tertiary support workers
the outcomes of the National Plan
and vocational education and
to Reduce Violence Against Women Workplaces recognise domestic and
beyond to continuing professional
and their Children. family violence as a workplace issue
development—embody these principles
and support workers.
The supporting outcomes are: and model respectful behaviours.
Queensland employers, workforces
1. Queenslanders take a zero Clubs, associations and sporting
and businesses develop and
tolerance approach to domestic organisations reinforce appropriate
implement policies around leave,
and family violence non-violent dispute resolution.
workforce participation and respectful
Families, friends and neighbours
Everyone, everywhere feels safe, relationships that support victims
value and support one another.
supported and protected from all forms to remain in the workforce.
of domestic and family violence. 3. Queensland community, 5. Victims and their families
business, religious, sporting are safe and supported
Family, friends and neighbours support
each other. Witnesses to violence are
and all government leaders
Integrated services are all inclusive
empowered to recognise, respond are taking action and
to respond, rebuild, empower and
and refer appropriately. Friends, working together
create economic independence.
team mates, family and neighbours Cultural change is led by communities
appropriately make it clear that violence Integrated services provide culturally
across Queensland, working together
is not acceptable and do not condone appropriate wrap around services to
to protect and support victims and
violent behaviour. help victims and their families escape
model respectful relationships.
violence, access or maintain stable
First responders (police, ambulance, Leaders across the community, and safe housing, help victims rebuild
fire, health services) are able business, faiths, sport and government and empower their lives and support
to recognise, respond and refer participate in driving reform, embrace survivors to become independent and
appropriately when violence occurs. changes and innovation within their not return to violence.
2. Respectful relationships and own organisations that better protect
and support victims and model
6. Perpetrators stop using violence
non‑violent behaviour are and are held to account
respectful relationships.
embedded in our community
Networks are formed between and Systems are in place to ensure
Wherever people live, learn, work and perpetrators receive appropriate
across communities and organisations
play, they respect and value each other. sanctions and access to assistance
to share supports, resources and ideas.
The principles of respect and value for to stop using violence.
one another are reinforced throughout
17 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceRespectful relationships and the
right for every person to live free from
violence, is modelled and expected IT ALL BEGINS WITH LOVE
everywhere people live, learn, work
and play. A powerful play based on real Queensland stories of domestic violence
Perpetrators are provided the and survival entitled ‘It All Begins with Love’, was created in the hope
education and tools for dealing that it would start conversations to increase awareness of and tackle
with problems without resorting the stereotypes surrounding domestic and
to violence. Perpetrators who use family violence.
violence are held to account, receive Creative Regions, a Bundaberg arts Bundaberg
appropriate sanctions and access to production company, created the play
location
culturally appropriate supports to stop to demonstrate how performing arts could
using violence. be used as an intervention strategy around All
Supports are available for both victims domestic violence issues. interest group
and perpetrators to remove themselves
from situations of potential violence.
7. The justice system deals
effectively with domestic
MALE CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
and family violence
The system is safe, fair, supportive, The Male Champions of Change initiative is evolving into a global coalition
efficient and coordinated. of men advocating for gender equality.
Victims are kept safe leading up to, The heart of The Male Champions of Change Queensland
location
during and after court and justice strategy involves men of power and influence
system journeys. Victims are heard forming a high profile coalition to achieve
and their views respected. Courts change on gender equality issues in Men
understand the trauma victims endure organisations and communities. interest group
and the impact on their confidence and
ability to communicate this experience.
Perpetrators are assisted to understand
that their behaviour is unacceptable.
Perpetrators are provided with the
supports and assistance needed to
choose a non-violent path and learn
how to foster healthy, respectful
relationships.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 18Guiding principles
Guiding principles
The following key principles will form
the basis of how Queensland, as a Domestic and family violence is not acceptable.
community, can work together to end
domestic and family violence. These Denigration and disrespect of women is not acceptable.
principles have been co-designed
with community and business leaders, All Queenslanders deserve to be equally valued
and experts with experience working and respected regardless of age, gender, identity, culture,
with victims and perpetrators of religion, education, impairment, health or race.
violence through the community leader
roundtables. The principles will guide All Queenslanders have the right to live in respectful,
all stages of reform and will also be supportive and safe relationships and to feel safe
used to help design new approaches, and secure in their homes.
processes or programs.
The safety of victims is paramount.
Domestic and family violence is everyone’s concern
and ending it is everyone’s responsibility.
Community leaders and groups can champion
and drive change.
Practical solutions are required to support victims
and perpetrators.
Education of children and young people is key to
achieving generational change in behaviour.
Perpetrators will be held to account for their actions.
19 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violencePartner strategies
This strategy is the Queensland SPEAKING OUT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Government’s commitment to leading
a program of reform to realise a Wanting to create awareness of abuse within culturally diverse communities
community vision of a Queensland free in Australia, the Queensland Edifest Association developed a series of
from domestic and family violence. posters that were delivered to Muslim, Sikh and Hindu Mosques, Temples,
and Gudhwaras across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
It is acknowledged that domestic and
family violence situations are often The posters were widely applauded and
influenced by, but not caused by, received significant media attention and as a
broader issues of mental health, alcohol result the Queensland and New South Wales
Queensland
and drug addiction, financial problems, Police Services have adapted the posters location
behavioural and attitudinal matters, for use in all police stations. They have Queensland
also been part of a successful global social Religious
lack of alternative housing options and
Communities
situational challenges. media campaign.
interest group
There is a broad platform of national
and state-led strategies aimed at
addressing these influences and other
underlying contributors to domestic
and family violence. The Queensland
strategy will work alongside these
DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES
partner strategies, and shape elements
In response to Recommendation 107 in the Not Now, Not Ever report, the
from these to meet the outcomes
Queensland Law Society has developed best practice guidelines for lawyers
specific to the needs of Queenslanders.
working with people who have experienced
domestic and family violence.
Queensland
The guidelines encourage legal practitioners location
to keep their knowledge of domestic and
family violence up to date and includes Legal profession
contact details for useful services. interest group
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 20How will we deliver action?
Governments and the New and different approaches will be For these reasons, each and every
needed, particularly for Aboriginal and Queenslander has a role to play in
community have come Torres Strait Islander and culturally and addressing domestic and family
a long way in addressing linguistically diverse communities. violence.
domestic and family Domestic and family violence has To complement its own commitment
devastating impacts for those directly and effort, the Queensland Government
violence. There have been
involved. However, the impact is calling on individuals and
great improvements in extends well beyond the victim, communities, businesses, industry
raising awareness, refining with the financial and human costs groups, faiths and all frontline service
being shouldered by the Queensland providers, to be part of the solution and
responses and focusing economy. The ethical and human to lead the charge using their profiles,
more on prevention. as well as the economic imperatives influence and numbers to help reduce
Yet, despite this tireless to act are great. the incidence of domestic and family
violence in our community.
action, Queenslanders
continue to be unsafe
in their homes.
LOGAN FOOTBALL CLUBS AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Ten Logan based football clubs have agreed to make all senior players
who sign on to play next year undertake a domestic violence education
and prevention course. The two-hour Anti-Domestic Violence Program is
a joint initiative by Minister Fentiman, Beenleigh PCYC, Logan City Council,
businessman Michael Rose and the clubs. The course will be provided
by Beenleigh and Logan PCYC’s and the
Queensland Police Service.
Some of the clubs involved include Beenleigh Logan
location
Junior Rugby League, South East Suns AFL,
Beenleigh Buffaloes AFL, Beenleigh Pride
Senior Rugby League and the Eagleby Giants Football players
Rugby League. interest group
21 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceAction plans First action plan Third action plan
(2015–2016) (2019–20 to 2021–22)
A rolling program of action that builds The first action plan will establish The third action plan will similarly
on previous achievements will occur the foundations for the strategy be focused on real action to address
through four action plans. These action and create the necessary framework domestic and family violence. It will
plans will provide a blueprint to guide for the projects that will drive change continue to evolve the strategy to
government and the community to help over the longer term. meet the needs of the community
realise the objectives of the strategy in the prevention of domestic and
Initially focused on creating a positive
and achieve the vision of a Queensland family violence. The third action
environment for fostering change,
free from domestic and family violence. plan will need to seek to further
actions and initiatives outlined in the
embed cultural change and system
The action plans will establish the first action plan will provide a strong
reform and encourage the move
solid structures in systems, services base for subsequent action plans
away from government led action
and the law to guide reform, and will and create momentum for change
to community ownership.
set the timeline for implementation in the community.
culminating in a fully realised strategy. Fourth action plan
Second action plan
(2022–23 to 2025–26)
Specific initiatives, programs and (2016–17 to 2018–19)
actions will be detailed under each The fourth action plan will continue
The second action plan will continue
of the supporting outcomes outlined delivery of tangible results to prevent
to implement the recommendations of
in this strategy. domestic and family violence, foster
the Taskforce report and build upon the
independence, and demonstrate
foundations laid in the first action plan.
the need for ongoing change by the
The second action plan will seek to
community beyond the life of the
actively move the community towards
strategy. This action plan will need to
being a society where fewer people
acknowledge that building a community
find excuses for violent behaviour,
free from domestic and family violence
fewer people blame victims and where
is a multi-generational vision, and
all members of the community are
this strategy, whilst a significant
empowered to take action to stop
achievement, is unlikely to fully realise
the violence.
the vision. Action under this fourth plan
will ensure that momentum toward
achieving the vision continues in a
conscientious, evidence-based and
coordinated way.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 22How will we be accountable?
The governance model Domestic and Family Cross government
for the strategy is Violence Implementation committee
based on forging strong Council
The Child Protection and Domestic
relationships with key and Family Violence Inter Departmental
The Domestic and Family Violence
community, religious, Implementation Council will provide CEO Committee includes chief
sporting and business independent oversight of the executives of government departments
with a significant implementation
leaders who are invested implementation of the strategy.
role in both child protection and
It is initially being chaired by The
in the future. This Honourable Quentin Bryce AD CVO and domestic and family violence.
approach acknowledges consists of representatives drawn from The committee has overseen the
the Queensland community as well as development of the strategy and has
that domestic and family built partnerships with key sectors
key sectors including non‑government
violence is everyone’s organisations, industry, employer for implementation. It will continue to
concern. groups, media, education sector, drive a whole‑of‑government response
social services sector, legal sector to domestic and family violence and
and Aboriginal and Torres Strait provide advice to Ministers and the
The governance model will ensure that Domestic and Family Violence
Islander communities. The council
implementation activities occur when Implementation Council but at the
is appointed by the Premier and will
they are required and remain aligned same time, also oversee the continued
be a strong advocate for ensuring
with desired outcomes. reforms in child protection. This dual
action on eliminating domestic
and family violence in Queensland program oversight role reflects the
remains a focus. close relationship between the two
critical reform activities and allows
The council will report to the Premier,
for collaboration between the two
initially on a six month basis, on
and will enable enhanced outcomes
progress achieved with implementation
for Queenslanders.
of the reforms. The council will assess
the performance of those taking action
to prevent domestic and family violence
in Queensland and have a critical role in
shaping ongoing implementation. This
report will be tabled in the Queensland
Parliament to allow for public scrutiny of
progress towards achieving our vision.
23 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceRegional committees
GO FARR
Regional committees are important to
support the integration of services at
Go Farr (Fathers Acting Responsibly and Respectfully), explores what it
a local level. Since 2014, nine regional
means to be a father. Participants address how domestic and family violence
child and family committees have
negatively affects their children, the children’s mother and themselves.
been established across Queensland
The group increases their understanding of
to lead local child and family reform
how to provide non-violent discipline and
initiatives. These are comprised of
to negotiate the discipline of their children Mt Isa
key Queensland, Australian and local
with the children’s mother and participants location
government representatives as well
are equipped with some tools to prevent
as non-government service providers. Perpetrators/
violence. It also discusses the benefits
The scope of these committees will men
of being in a healthy relationship and the interest group
continue to be expanded to monitor
consequences of unhealthy relationships.
and implement domestic and family
violence reforms at the local level,
and leverage off existing networks
and systems. Aligning the two
priorities at the local level will deliver
a more connected and integrated
delivery system.
Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 24How will we know if we have made
a difference?
Evaluation is critical to The evaluation framework The framework will include:
1. a structured review of the way in
ensuring that the reforms
which the strategy is implemented,
The purpose of the evaluation
outlined in the strategy giving particular consideration
framework is to enhance our capacity
are in fact achieving their to identify domestic and family
to the governance, resourcing
and practices associated with
stated goals. violence programs that are successful
implementation.
and effective in addressing issues of
violence as well as those that may be 2. the initiation of a number of
Without rigorous evaluations there flagship evaluations of strategy-
inefficient or ineffective.
is always the risk of persisting with related initiatives to assess the
programs or policies that have a The evaluation framework will be
implementation process, outcomes
negative or negligible impact. Good designed to assess the impact of the
and cost-benefits.
evaluations are critical to identifying broader reform program as well as
3. regular reporting on families’
cost-effective programs that achieve specific initiatives.
well‑being and exposure to violence
explicitly specified objectives.
over time as an indicator of our
Over time, the evaluation of multiple success in responding to domestic
initiatives and their outcomes leads and family violence.
to the emergence of a reliable evidence 4. a capacity building component
base that can be readily drawn upon designed to encourage and
for future policy-making exercises. support evaluation of initiatives
implemented in the strategy.
25 Queensland’s reform program to end domestic and family violenceYou can also read
