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  • Leaving a Gift in your Will or Bequest

    24th December, 2019 | by

    Giving a charitable gift in your name, or in honour of a loved one can mean a world of difference as we work towards a future free from domestic, family and sexual violence.

    How your gift will help

    • Provide emergency transport to Queenslanders escaping a violent home
    • Provide emergency accommodation to Queenslanders who have escaped domestic, family and sexual violence
    • Provide safe accommodation, food and veterinary care for pets of families who have fled violence with until they can be united with their family
    • Education and awareness campaigns to ensure more Queenslanders understand what domestic and family violence is and where to get help.

    DVConnect’s commitment to you

    Our vision is for all relationships to be free from domestic, family and sexual violence. When people like you entrust us with a gift in your will, these are the assurances we make:

    1. We understand that your will is a personal document; one that requires time and careful planning to complete
    2. We understand that a change in your circumstances may require a change to your Will
    3. We will work with all parties to handle your gift with care, sensitivity and respect to ensure your wishes are met
    4. We will honour and respect your privacy and your decision regarding your chosen level of engagement and communication with us
    5. We will invest your gift responsibly to extend our reach into the community so your gift has a direct contribution to helping Queenslanders escape domestic, family and sexual violence
    6. We will be forever thankful and remember you for the enduring support you are giving to so many others.

    Wording for your Will

    We recommend that you seek legal advice in the preparation of your Will to ensure that it is legally valid and accurately reflects your wishes. It is important to remember to review your will regularly, particularly when life circumstances change. There are a number of ways of making provision for DVConnect in your Will.  

    A Bequest

    A ‘bequest’ is a gift of a sum of money or an asset that is made in your Will before the balance of the estate is distributed. When making a bequest to DVConnect, you can make a general bequest or a specific bequest.  A general bequest is a bequest that is not expressed to be for any particular purpose. A specific bequest is one that is directed to a particular program or service offered. In the case of DVConnect, the following are some examples of programs that a specific bequest can be directed to:

    • Womensline
    • Mensline
    • Sexual Assault Helpline
    • Pets In Crisis
    • Bella’s Sanctuary

    You should ensure that a specific bequest clause is drafted to allow flexibility of purpose should a particular project or program no longer exist when your estate is administered.

    A Residual Gift

    A residual gift refers to a gift of the whole or part of the remaining balance of the estate after all estate liabilities and bequests have been made. A residual gift is often expressed in percentage terms. Like a bequest, a residual gift can also be general or specific in nature.

    Examples of Wording

    Below are three examples of suggested wording to accommodate the most bequest and residual gifts in your Will.

    1. A General Bequest
    • “I give, free of all duties and taxes, the amount of $ or my units/shares in Trust/Ltd, or my real property situated at [insert street address] having the title reference to DVConnect Limited, PO Box 10575, Brisbane 4000 for its general purposes;
    • If DVConnect has ceased to exist or has changed its name or has amalgamated with another organisation, this gift shall not fail but my executor and trustee shall pay it to the organisation that they consider most nearly fulfils the objects that I intend to benefit;
    • The receipt of the Company Secretary or other authorised officer for the time being shall constitute a full and sufficient discharge to my executor and trustee;
    • My executor and trustee shall not be obliged to see or to enquire into the application of money or assets, the subject of such gift.”
    1. A Specific Bequest
    •  “I give, free of all duties and taxes, the amount of $ or my units/shares in Trust/Ltd, or my real property situated at [insert street address] having the title reference to DVConnect Limited, PO Box 10575, Brisbane 4000 to be applied for [specify the area, project or program that you intend to benefit]
    • If DVConnect has ceased to exist or has changed its name or has amalgamated with another organisation, or the specific purpose to which the gift is directed no longer exists, this gift shall not fail but my executor and trustee shall pay it to the organisation or and purpose that they consider most nearly fulfils the objects that I intend to benefit;
    • The receipt of the Company Secretary or other authorised officer for the time being shall constitute a full and sufficient discharge to executor and trustee;
    • My executor and trustee shall not be obliged to see or to enquire into the application of money or assets, the subject of such gift.”
    1. A Residual Gift
    • “I give, free of all duties and taxes, the residue of my estate (or % of the residue of my estate) to DVConnect Limited, PO Box 10575, Brisbane 4000…..
    • Select one of the below:

    …to be applied for its general purposes;

    OR

    …to be applied for [specify the area, project or program that you intend to benefit]

    • If DVConnect has ceased to exist or has changed its name or has amalgamated with another organisation, or the specific purpose to which the gift is directed no longer exists, this gift shall not fail but my executor and trustee shall pay it to the organisation or and purpose that they consider most nearly fulfils the objects that I intend to benefit;
    • The receipt of the Company Secretary or other authorised officer for the time being shall constitute a full and sufficient discharge to executors and trustees;
    • My executors and trustees shall not be obliged to see or to enquire into the application of money or assets, the subject of such gift.”

    Download Gift In Will – Bequest – DVConnect

    Professional advice from a Solicitor

    We recommend that you seek advice from a solicitor to ensure that the wording of your Will reflects your exact wishes. Solicitors who support DVConnect are:

    Maurice Blackburn

    Offices in: Brisbane, Browns Plains, Bundaberg, Caboolture, Cairns, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Mackay, Rockhampton, Strathpine, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Townsville. Visiting Solicitors in: Ayr, Cleveland, Gladstone, Gympie, Ingham, Innisfail, Mareeba, Mount Isa. 

    Phone:             1800 621 880, 24/7

    Learn more about Maurice Blackburn

    YHC Lawyers

    Address:          Level 15, 100 Edwards Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

    Phone:             07 3160 3315

    If you would like to discuss a Gift in your Will further, please email

  • Safety Planning tips you need to know

    7th July, 2019 | by

    Whether you are staying in order to prepare for the right time to leave, or you have left, we can help you with essential safety tips.

     

    If you are staying:

    If you are staying in the relationship, think about what you can do to keep yourself safe, particularly at times when your partner becomes abusive, or you sense the situation is escalating. 

    • Create ‘signals’ for supportive neighbours, family or friends that let them know to come over or to call for help. For example, switch on a particular light, leave a curtain blind closed /open, phone or text a friend with an agreed cue or a message that will be a prompt or code for them to help in whatever way you have discussed.
    • Keep essential items like spare keys, money and important documents or copies of them, where you can get to them easily quickly.
    • Plan and practice (with your children) how you might escape from your home safely and quickly. Think about the safest exits so that when you feel that things are getting out of control you can leave quickly.
    • If possible, keep weapons and knives locked up or inaccessible (e.g. remove knife-blocks from kitchen benches).
    • Let trusted friends, family or neighbours know about the abuse and let them know about your safety plan.
    • Have a code (perhaps a word or phrase) that you can use with someone you trust by phone or text so they know you are in danger and need help from them or the police.
    • Teach your children that their responsibility during an incident is to stay safe – not to rescue you.
    • Program the police, taxi company, local support service and a family member’s or friend’s number into the speed dial on your phone.
    • Plan where you will go and how you will get there in case you need to leave in a hurry.
    • If possible, keep a Safety Diary. Record any instances of abuse, and try to include details, dates, times and photos. You may want to keep your Safety Diary at your doctor’s office, a friend’s house or electronically but remember to make sure it is secure (you could use a password, email it to someone you trust or hide it under another name).
    • Keep text messages your partner sends to you, and save online messages or posts made by your partner.
    • Ask a family member or friend if they can take care of your pets at their house, or regularly take the pets for walks.

     

    Helping your children

    You can help your child emotionally recover from domestic violence in many ways:

    • Protect children from violence by taking them to a safe place.
    • Get support to take action against the violence, this will show them that violence is not acceptable.
    • Reassure the child that none of the violent episodes were their fault in any way.
    • Tell them how much you love them and cuddle them often.
    • Encourage them to talk openly about their feelings.
    • Get extra help for your child if necessary.
    • Enlist a professional from a specialist domestic and family violence service to help provide your child with emotional support.
    • Tell the child that abusive behaviour is wrong and be a role model for other ways of managing anger and solving problems.
    • Seek professional help, such as counselling, for all family members.

     

    Helping your pets

    Together with the RSPCA Queensland we operate the Pets In Crisis Program.

    • Call us and ask about our Pets In Crisis Program. Call 1800 811 811 anytime.
    • Read more, or watch a video about our Pets In Crisis Program. Learn More.

     

    If you are planning to leave:

    • Hide a bag with clothes, medication, keys and other important items that you can either exit with easily or leave with someone you trust.
    • Put aside some money for travel expenses, accommodation and food if you have access to money.
    • Make copies of important documents, e.g. car registration, tax file number, title deeds, loan records, Medicare card, drivers licence, account details, prescriptions, passports etc and leave them with someone you trust or take photos of them and store them securely.
    • Take small items you may be able to sell, like jewellery.
    • If you have children take clothes for them, medical records and medication, bottles and some of their favourite toys.
    • If you have pets, take food and equipment needed for travelling (e.g. leash, cage, documentation).

     

    If you have left:

    The time after leaving an domestic violence situation can be very dangerous. The below tips help reduce this risk but you should be very vigalent during this time.

    • Report to police and apply for an ADVO.
    • If you have an ADVO carry a copy of it with you at all times and give a copy of it and a photo of your partner to your workplace and your children’s school so that they are aware of the situation.
    • Redirect your mail and get a post office box.
    • Only give your new address and phone number to those you really trust.
    • Get a new SIM card and phone and turn your call preferences set to Private so your new number cannot be saved.
    • Think about getting a spare SIM card or phone if you want to communicate with your ex-partner about children or pets.
    • Wherever possible, change your regular patterns of movement, e.g. travel to and from work by a different route, buy your groceries at a different shop, change the time and maybe location of regular appointments, maybe move your children to a new day care centre or school.
    • Ensure where you are staying is as safe as possible, e.g. security doors, lockable windows, motion- sensitive external lights etc.
    • Let key people know about your situation, e.g. your boss and other work colleagues, your children’s teachers, so they know not to give out your details or they can screen your calls etc.
    • Continue to seek support from the domestic and family violence services and medical practitioners during this time.
    • Block your partner on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp and any other forms of social media or communication. Consider setting up a new profile that is secure.  Read through Facebook and other social media platforms Safety Tips.

     

    If you, or someone you know is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, DVConnect can help you find a pathway to safety, away from violence. The DVConnect helplines are:

    • Womensline 1800 811 811, available 24/7
    • Mensline 1800 600 636 available from 9am – midnight, 7 days
    • Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120, available from 7.30am – 11.30pm, 7 days.
    • For more visit www.DVConnect.org.

    For more, contact 

  • Support for LGBTQ+ people

    18th June, 2019 | by

    Every LGBTQ+ person has the right to feel safe.

    LGBTQ+ people also have the right to feel safe to report domestic, family, intimate partner and sexual violence and abuse.

    DVConnect provides the Womensline, Mensline and Sexual Assault Helpline to all people, including LGBTQ+ people. You can call the helpline you feel most comfortable calling and ask for information and options from our experienced counsellors.

    • Womensline 1800 811 811
    • Mensline 1800 600 636
    • Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120

    Watch this video to find out more about how we help.

    You are not alone

    Abuse is a bigger problem in LGBTQ+ communities than we think because many people do not feel as seen or supported as other members in our community.

    According to the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation, “More than 50% of LGBTQ+ people will experience domestic, family or intimate partner violence and abuse in their lifetime.”

    The chances are that you or someone you know is, or has been, in an unsafe relationship.

    Despite the prevalence, LGBTQ+ people are less likely to find support services that meet their specific needs, are less likely to identify DFV in their relationships and less likely to report it to the police or to seek support from services.

    How we help LGBTQ+ people

    Through our helplines, we can provide information and options such as:

    • Emergency transport and accommodation
    • Specialist crisis counselling
    • Safety planning
    • Information, referrals & support
    • Safe accommodation for pets through our Pets In Crisis program
    • And more.

    Call Womensline on 1800 811 811

    Call Mensline on 1800 600 636

    Find out more in the video below about how our team helps people in Queensland to live free from domestic, family and sexual violence.

    We know that asking for helping isn’t easy

    Reaching out for support is an extremely brave thing to do and our crisis counsellors thank you for putting trust in them.

    DVConnect is here to help you explore the options available so you can feel safe at home. We are well-versed in the unique forms of abuse that can be experienced by LGBTQ+ people. Our team respond to people of all experiences and backgrounds and undertake ongoing professional development to support our diverse clients.

    Our specialist crisis counsellors can provide confidential advice and support regardless of whether you are in a relationship, thinking about leaving or have already left. We will be guided by you in how we can help.

    Call us today.

    Call Womensline on 1800 811 811

    Call Mensline on 1800 600 636

    Resources and services

    A couple sitting on a picnic blanket with their dogs in the park

       

    • Accessibility

      4th June, 2019 | by

      Accessibility – we help everyone

       

      Need a translator or interpreter?

      If English is not your first language, or you feel more comfortable communicating in another language, you can use the Telephone and Interpreting Service (TIS National) to speak to us. There is no charge to use a TIS interpreter. For more specific information about TIS National, please visit their website. To call DVConnect using the TIS system, please follow the below steps:

      1. Call DVConnect and ask for an interpreter. The crisis counsellor will make the arrangements for you.
      2. Call TIS on 131 450 and ask them to contact DVConnect

       

      Blind or vision impaired?

      If you are blind or vision impaired, you can read the text on this website using a screen reader. On this page you will find further information on how you can access other parts of our service if you have a disability or speak a language other than English.

       

       

      Do you have a disability?

      If you have a disability and a partner or carer stops you getting support, that is violence or abuse. It is not okay. We can help. Call our Womensline, Mensline, or Sexual Assault Helpline for support.

       

      Deaf, hearing impaired or have difficulty speaking?

      If you have difficulty hearing or speaking to people who use a phone, you can call us using the 24/7 National Relay Service (NRS). The NRS enables people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment to make phone calls in the same way as anyone else. The NRS is free and confidential. If you’ve never used the NRS before, or are unsure, the NRS Helpdesk can assist you to get started, give you tips on making the most of your call, and help you with any call problems. 

      How to get help if you are experiencing violence? In an emergency or if anyone is in immediate danger call 000 or TTY 106

      Making a call in an emergency

      Here is how to connect to emergency services through different NRS call channels:

      • Internet Relay – ask for Triple Zero (000)
      • Captioned Relay – ask for Triple Zero (000)
      • SMS Relay – text 0423 677 767 and include 000 in your first message
      • Ordinary phone – dial 1800 555 727 and ask for Triple Zero (000)
      • TTY – dial 106

      DVConnect numbers

      Womensline & Pets In Crisis
      Mensline
      Sexual Assault Line
      1800RESPECT

    Thank you DVConnect for saving my Mums life, and mine. You guys getting us out of there changed everything. Thank you so much. Life is good now! 

    Our survivor has chosen to remain anonymous.

    Read Survivor Stories

    How your donation will help

    • Provides operational support to fund our bridging accommodation residence Bella's Sanctuary.
    • Provides emergency transport and accommodation for Queenslanders in crisis due to domestic and family violence.
    • Provides safety planning, crisis counselling and information to those impacted by domestic and family violence.
    • Educates Queenslanders on how to help family, friends and colleagues who have experienced, or are experiencing domestic and family violence.