Victims of crime in Queensland will have greater access to justice with the State Government investing $100, 000 towards forward-thinking counselling initiatives to assist victims and their families.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie said the latest round of funding would be shared between Relationships Australia (Queensland) and Pheonix House Association Inc to provide rehabilitation services to Queenslanders who need it most.
“The Government has a strong plan to make Queensland the safest place to raise a family and tip the scales of justice back in favour of the victim,” Mr Bleijie said.
“While we’ve introduced a range of reforms to prevent violent crime, it is essential we provide as much support as possible to the hardworking organisations that help rebuild victims’ lives.
“This delivers on our election promise to revitalise frontline services and will ensure a brighter future for families and victims of crime.
“Bundaberg’s Pheonix House will receive $75,000 to train up to 25 Queensland-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community workers to enable them to provide counselling services to members of their communities.
“Basing community workers within Queensland’s Indigenous communities will ensure victims have better access to culturally appropriate support where sexual or family violence has occurred.
“$25,000 will be given to Relationships Australia Qld to develop web chat and online support to victims who are not able to engage counselling via telephone or face-to-face.
“Online services will offer alternatives for those in remote communities or victims who are fearful of personal interactions such as someone at risk of domestic violence.
“This one-off funding boost will add to annual funding of $1.25 million in 2014-15 which assists Relationships Australia (Queensland) in supporting those suffering from family violence, poor mental health, social exclusion and addiction.”
Mr Bleijie said both organisations applied through the yearly Victims Services Building Capacity Funding Program for these specific projects and encouraged all organisations to apply for the next round of funding in early 2015.
“I’m delighted these organisations will be able to deliver their important programs across the State,” he said.
