Children and young people affected by domestic and family violence in Deception Bay and Pine Rivers will be able to access greater support with more than $715,000 in funding over five years for new, local support programs.
Member for Pine Rivers Nikki Boyd said the funding would allow the Centre Against Domestic Abuse Inc (CADA) to offer specialised counselling, support and therapeutic intervention for children and young people affected by domestic and family violence.
“Tackling domestic and family violence is one of the Queensland Government’s highest priorities, because every Queenslander has the right to feel safe, particularly at home,” Ms Boyd said.
“But sadly we know that is not the case for too many women and children, and that’s why we are providing additional funding to CADA.
“I know the staff at CADA are incredibly passionate about helping victims of domestic and family violence, and also empowering victims.
Member for Bancroft Chris Whiting said children who have lived with domestic and family violence are often traumatised by their experiences and exposure to violence can impact on a child’s sense of safety, as well as their social, emotional and psychological development.
“That’s why it is vital we make sure there is support there to help children and young people who have directly experienced or been exposed to domestic and family violence to help them overcome the trauma and set them on a path to a bright future,” Mr Whiting said.
Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said the funding would allow the organisation to deliver a new model that is focused on recovery.
“This is about helping children overcome the domestic and family violence they have experienced or witnessed, but it is also about helping them to strengthen their relationship with their non-abusive parent,” Ms Farmer said.
“We know that exposure to domestic and family violence can damage relationships with the non-violent parent and we need to do everything we can to stop this from happening.
For more information on the government’s actions to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland go to www.qld.gov.au/notnownotever.
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Media Contact: Minister Farmer’s office xxxxxxxx