Charleville Police, Lifeline Team Up for DFV Initiative

Queensland Police Service (QPS) South-West District Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit (SWD DFVVPU) has partnered with Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland to launch Assisting Change, a domestic and family violence (DFV) initiative designed to bring positive, lasting change to the communities through direct engagement.

Assisting Change, launched August 2025, saw Charleville police officers and Lifeline DFV support specialists conduct door knocks and directly engage with more than 14 respondents with current Domestic Violence Court Orders (DVOs) across Charleville, Cunnamulla and St George.

Visits to the homes aimed to address the underlying factors which may contribute to DFV, by providing referrals to education and counselling support services through Lifeline.

From these interactions, more than 10 respondents and other household members, have consented to 23 direct referrals to support services such as Lifeline, connecting them with immediate support, including personal counselling, men's behaviour change programs and relationship counselling.

Acting Inspector Derek Brady from the SWD DFVVPU said the partnership highlighted a strong commitment to community safety and wellbeing. All engagements were a positive experience and well received by recipients.

"Our focus was on reducing incidents of DFV through education and support, easing pressure on frontline officers, and helping create a safer, healthier community," Acting Inspector Brady said.

"We plan to run similar operations in the future, while also maintaining regular contact with participants every two months throughout the upcoming financial year to ensure they have access to ongoing assistance."

In addition to these efforts, respondents and victim survivors of DFV were provided the opportunity to engage with a range of support programs, including assistance with housing applications and employment opportunities with resume preparation and interview assistance to promote employability.

Targeting the underlying factors which may contribute to DFV, the program aims to set struggling individuals on the path towards long-term change, offering support without judgement and providing a safe space for those in need of help.

QPS and Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland are committed to making a real difference, and we encourage all community members to join us in our effects to prevent DFV.