With support from the Bushfire Foundation Inc/ National Animal Disaster Relief charity and the community of amazing people and generous businesses in the Mackay & Whitsunday Regions, we are launching a Domestic Violence Rapid Response Team (DVRRT).
This will run as a trial until the end of September, 2024 using funds raised by the community. We have also applied for a $150,000 grant with the Queensland Government to solve issues plaguing our State, with the hope that data driven results will allow us to scale the team Australia-wide.
This team will provide a 24/7/365 response capability to assist, in collaboration with community groups/ charities, courts and department of justice, emergency services and other support stakeholders to assist domestic violence/ sexual assault victims, children, pets and perpetrators of domestic violence towards rehabilitation.
We will utilise our surge resources/ personnel, supplies and network collaborations to provide just some of the following from an extensive list:
1. Free Emergency Accommodation for victims of domestic violence.
2. Free Emergency Accomodation, supplies and Veterinary services to animals/ pets impacted by domestic violence and/ or sexual assault.
3. Free training in nationally recognised certificates and assistance with job seeker/ labour hire organisations.
4. Free legal, financial and accomodation referrals and support.
5. Free Mental Health support for victims of domestic violence and/ or sexual assault.
6. Free assistance with repairs to a vehicle used by domestic violence and/ or sexual assault.
7. Free supplies and support to ensure children impacted by domestic violence and/ or sexual assault can stay in school (assistance with home schooling if in danger).
8. Free gift vouchers to victims of domestic violence and/ or sexual assault to assist with groceries or fuel.
9. Free support to assist with pharmaceutical purchases (scripts) and appointments with General Practitioners, medical specialists or other health related needs (X-Ray, scans, pregnancy, pathology, etc) of those impacted by domestic violence and/ or sexual assault.
10. A focus on multicultural/ translation services for those impacted by domestic violence and/ or sexual assault who do not speak English and for those who are recognised as the original inhabitants of Australia.
11. Subsidised assistance for programs available through the legal system for perpetrators of domestic violence to rehabilitate and reduce the possibility of re-offending.
Click HERE for more information, advice and support around Domestic Violence provided by the Queensland Government.
To get involved, volunteer or order your free stickers; email david.ayles@1300disaster.com or contact us on the 1300DISASTER Facebook, Instagram page or through this websites contact page.
Who to call to get help
In an emergency call the police on Triple Zero (000).
DVConnect Womensline
1800 811 811
DVConnect Mensline
1800 600 636
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732