Domestic & Family Violence
Brisbane Domestic Violence Service (BDVS) has continued to focus on how to adjust service responses to meet ever increasing demand.
This is a continual reflection of the increased recognition of Domestic and Family Violence from the wider community and professional services.
Key figures
11,936 women
supported by Micah Projects' Domestic and Family Violence Services
Financial Counsellor
Our financial counsellor works four days a week to help women impacted by domestic and family violence rebuild financial stability after abusive relationships.
| # |
Services Provided |
|---|---|
| 116 | referrals for financial counselling received |
| 215 | appointments for support |
Key figures
$388,932
in debt from economic abuse waived through financial counselling
Women's Advocate
The role of the Women’s Advocate is to offer ongoing support including: Risk Assessment and Safety Planning, Information Sharing, Advocacy, and Referrals to partners and/or ex-partners of participants commencing the Safer and Accountable Men Program (SAM) who have been impacted by their violence.
Safer and Accountable Men's Program (SAM)
The BDVS' Safer and Accountable Men program is one of several service offerings in Brisbane specifically focused on working in a group setting with men who use violence.
Operating in an ecosystem of services, and often connected to a man's engagement within the Criminal Justice or Child Protection system, BDVS program provides an opportunity for reflection on their beliefs, attitudes, values and their choices — without minimising, denying or blaming.
The four groups offered by BDVS in 2023/24, ran continuously over the year and benefit from a rolling entry and exit, providing a unique opportunity for those participants nearing the completion of their 16 weeks to welcome in and set the standard of engagement and accountability practices for new men, participating in the group's deep and important discussions and reflections.
Critical to informed ongoing risk assessment and safety planning is that all current or ex-partners of the men are offered engagement with a Women's Advocate who provides support with planned engagement, safety, risk assessments and response, as well as information and education of the elements of the curriculum for the SAM program.
Careful consideration of ongoing risk, accountability and compliance with protection and other orders are key features of the program participation.
| # |
Services provided |
|---|---|
| 398 | women supported by the Men's Domestic Violence Program's Women's Advocate |
| 319 | men engaged in the Safer and Accountable Men's Program |
| 204 | men engaged through Sandgate Court |
Participant Reflection
Through regular participation and active engagement with the program the person using violence was able to identify and take ownership for some of his DV related behaviours such as coercive control, the impact of his behaviours towards his children, as well as acknowledge his use of minimisation, denial and blame. The person using violence was able to identify ongoing goals pertaining to wanting to build on being a safe father for his child.
Working with the Community and Improving Services
We have engaged in, and provided, significant professional development including seeking international best-practice experts to assist our team to focus on continuous improvement to meet the needs of our diverse community, partnering with other services and supporting a wider understanding of the service landscape across Brisbane.
RizeUp Gala Ball
The Inaugural RizeUp Gala Ball “From Danger To Safety” was held on Saturday, 5th August 2023. The theme of the Ball centred around the journey, "From Danger to Safety", and BDVS was a beneficiary of a portion of funds raised from the event.
Key figures
$40,000 raised
by contributions from the RizeUp Gala Ball “From Danger To Safety”
Practice Forums
Brisbane Domestic Violence Service has launched a new Professional Development opportunity, a bi-monthly event called Practice Forum, to build interagency response and enhance our integrated approach to Domestic and Family Violence. Invitees will represent practitioners across our Integrated Service Network, NGO and Government services. In 2024, we had: ‘Expectations of Consent & Quality Responses’ by Resound Group Lived Experience with special guest Melissa Scaia. ‘Reproductive Coercion’ by Children By Choice.
What are the three most important things learned from this forum?
"Dignity, Choice and Agency is key"
Primary Health Network Workforce Capability and Local Link
| # | Provided |
|---|---|
| 1052 | clinic engagements |
| 201 | clinicians and clinic staff trained (including diverse groups training) |
| 113 | referrals received from GPs |
| 33 | training sessions with GP clinics |
Primary Health Network Workforce Capability and Local Link
1052 engagements with clinics
201 clinicians and clinic staff trained (including diverse groups training)
113 referrals received from GPs
33 training sessions with GP clinics
Resound Lived Experience Group
In early 2023, Jo Mason inaugural member of our Resound Group of lived experience experts, transitioned into the role of lead advocate. This group of formidable females has contributed to research, reform, legislative changes and has participated in crucial professional development in 2023-24, with their influence creating ripples across the country.
Spread the Warmth
The community donated more than 433 brand new fluffy bathrobes and raised $3,660 to bring comfort and warmth to mothers in crisis accommodation across Brisbane this Mother's Day.
Micah Projects' Domestic and Family Violence Service
