A new specialist domestic and family violence (DFV) service has commenced in the Redlands, spearheaded by the Miles Government. The Centre for Women and Co is leading the initiative, operating a new Redlands-based High Risk Team (HRT) to provide enhanced coordination and response to victims at risk of serious harm.
For over three decades, the Centre for Women and Co has delivered free crisis intervention and support services to women and families across Logan, Beenleigh, and Redlands. The Redlands HRT, which began accepting referrals in April, aims to bolster these efforts by integrating the work of various government and community sector agencies.
HRTs play a critical role in keeping DFV victims safe and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. The teams are composed of experienced staff from various agencies, including police, health, and housing services. By working together, these professionals offer comprehensive support to victims and implement effective interventions for perpetrators.
The Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce has endorsed the HRT model as a key element of Queensland’s integrated service response to DFV. The taskforce has recommended expanding specialist initiatives in crucial areas across the state, including tailored support for First Nations individuals and communities. Redland is the tenth Queensland area to establish an HRT, with Rockhampton next on the list.
New funding for the HRTs includes provisions for embedded First Nations Cultural Advisors. These advisors will ensure local protocols, languages, and kinship structures are respected. The community-led organisation Five Bridges has been selected to provide this cultural advisory role for the Redlands HRT.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Yvette D’Ath, emphasised the significance of this initiative: “High Risk Teams bring together government, non-government agencies, and community groups to provide timely responses to keep victims and their children at imminent risk of serious violence, safe.
“We know this initiative is bringing together health services, emergency accommodation specialists, legal professionals and law enforcement to deliver rapid and effective assistance to our communities.”
Redlands MP Kim Richards also praised the initiative. “By bringing together all the relevant agencies on this Redlands High Risk team we will be able to better respond to victims at risk and hold perpetrators to account,” Ms Richards said.
“I am proud to be a member of a government that supports victim-survivors and is continuing to implement meaningful reforms to make a difference in the lives of women and children across Queensland.”
