The placement of embedded Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) specialist practitioners in Queensland police stations is helping to break down barriers and provide more trauma-informed support for victim-survivors.
The initiative is being highlighted this Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month (DFVPM), as one of the ways the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is working to ensure victims' wellbeing is at the forefront of the response.
The collaboration between police and embedded DFV specialist practitioners is about connecting victim-survivors with experts who can provide advice, guidance and resources from the outset.
Senior Constable Catherine Nielsen works at Toowoomba Station, which was the first station to incorporate an embedded DFV specialist practitioner.
She says she has seen firsthand the positive impact of the collaboration between Darling Downs Police and Toowoomba's Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC).
"Having an embedded DVAC support worker on-site has been invaluable in providing immediate, expert assistance to victim-survivors during difficult times," Senior Constable Nielsen said.
"Placing the needs of victim-survivors at the heart of our response helps to achieve the best possible outcomes for those affected by DFV."
Toowoomba's embedded DVAC specialist practitioner agreed the collaboration was all about putting the needs of the victim-survivor, first.
"This collaboration continues to be crucial in providing victim-survivors with a wider range of options for support," she said.
"While not all victim-survivors are ready to engage with police, having an embedded DFV specialist practitioner available on-site ensures that help is accessible, when needed."
A victim-survivor, who was initially hesitant to report her situation to police, credited the actions of the embedded DFV specialist practitioner with saving her life.
"I would say DVAC's involvement in the situation was the long-term turning point. Without her opening my eyes to what was going on, I would have stayed in that relationship for a long time to come or until something terrible happened,'' she said.
"The embedded DFV specialist practitioners are so caring, they are there for you every step of the way, they are very discreet, and they made a huge difference in my life, so just reach out.''
The QPS's continued commitment to embedding DFV specialist practitioners at police stations reflects an ongoing effort to improve the Service's response to DFV, ensuring a more holistic and victim-centric approach to support across the state.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
