The Palaszczuk Government has today released a new whole-of-government action plan as part of an ongoing commitment to prevent and respond to all forms of sexual violence in the community.
Announcing the action plan in Parliament today during Sexual Violence Awareness Month Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said everyone deserves to live in a society free from the threat of sexual violence.
“In October 2019, we launched Prevent. Support. Believe. Queensland’s Framework to address Sexual Violence and today we are launching the action plan that sets out our new and continuing initiatives to continue our work to end sexual violence in Queensland,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Despite the impacts of COVID-19, the Palaszczuk Government has continued it’s efforts to implement strategies outlined in the Framework.
“These include the implementation of respectful relationships education in Queensland schools, police sexual violence liaison officers, creation of a new offence of failure to report child sexual abuse and additional funding for services to meet the increased demand since the pandemic.
“And since 2015 we have invested record funding of more than $600 million dollars for domestic, family and sexual violence programs, services and strategies.
“The new Sexual Violence Prevention Action Plan 2021-2022 builds on this work and sets out our plan to promote respect in our communities, support victims and hold perpetrators to account.”
“I am also pleased to announce $150,000 in funding for the Queensland Sexual Assault Network (QSAN) to support them in undertaking their secretariat function across the network of specialist sexual assault services.
“These services wouldn’t be able to operate if it wasn’t for the incredible front-line workers who provide assistance to victims across Queensland.”
The Queensland Sexual Assault Network’s (QSAN) secretariat Miranda Clarke welcomed today’s funding announcement.
“Over the last few years we have seen growing demand for QSAN specialist counselling and support services, especially since the pandemic and increasing discussions of sexual violence in the media,” Ms Clarke said.
“This funding will be a welcomed boost to help the QSAN continue to provide specialised knowledge and consultation on issues of sexual violence, to raise community awareness about sexual violence and to advocate for survivors”.
Actions for 2021-22 include:
- Identifying and implementing training on preventing and responding to sexual violence for frontline staff including health and disability services staff.
