In a significant move to bolster support for victim-survivors, Queensland has announced the establishment of its first peak body for sexual violence. The state government revealed on Thursday that the service, only the second of its kind in Australia, aims to encourage more victim-survivors to come forward over time. This initiative mirrors a similar model in Victoria and is designed to represent the collective interests of the sexual violence support sector.
The announcement comes amid troubling statistics indicating that reported sexual assaults in Queensland reached a 32-year high in 2024, marking an 11 percent increase from the previous year. The creation of this peak body was a key recommendation from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, an independent body initiated by the former Labor government in 2021, which published two comprehensive reports in 2022.
Landmark Decision for Sexual Violence Advocacy
The Queensland Sexual Assault Network (QSAN) hailed the government’s decision as a “landmark” moment. Angela Lynch, the executive officer of QSAN, emphasized the growing urgency of addressing sexual violence in the community. “The reality is victim-survivors are already coming forward. That trajectory is not going to stop,” she stated.
Lynch highlighted the increasing concerns surrounding technology abuse and the predatory behavior of high-harm individuals, stressing the need for robust support services. “The issue of sexual violence in our community, sadly, is increasing,” she added.
Role and Impact of the New Peak Body
According to Amanda Camm, Minister for Domestic and Family Violence, the peak body will play a crucial role in advocating for victim-survivors and developing a specialized workforce across the state. The body will facilitate government consultations with the support sector on critical issues such as resourcing and legislation.
Camm noted that this initiative would streamline the process for support services and advocates to present their ideas to the government. Angela Lynch echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of amplifying the “collective” voices of those working in the sector, alongside victim-survivors.
“It provides a pathway to bring the voices of survivors into the hallways of power to influence legislation, policy, and service provision,” Lynch said.
Fast-Tracking Domestic Violence Support
In a related development, Camm announced that a similar peak body for domestic and family violence would be fast-tracked. Initially planned by the former Labor government to be operational by 2029 under the Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS), the timeline has been accelerated. The Queensland Domestic Violence Service Network (QDVSN) will now oversee the formation of this service.
Additionally, the government has committed $1.6 million in funding to the Remote Indigenous Women’s Shelter Network and the First Nation’s Primary Prevention Group. Wynetta Dewis, CEO of the Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service, welcomed the funding, noting its potential to address the disproportionately high rates of domestic, family, and sexual violence in First Nations’ communities.
Looking Ahead: Operational Plans and Further Studies
The government has set a target for both peak bodies to be operational by January 2026. In response to advocacy concerns, a study into new Police Protection Directions (PPDs) and issues of potential misidentification will also be conducted.
This comprehensive approach reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change in addressing sexual and domestic violence. As these initiatives unfold, they promise to reshape the landscape of support and advocacy for victim-survivors in Queensland, offering hope for more effective interventions and policy developments in the future.
