Our Principles
- Violence is a human rights violation, and every person deserves to live a life free from violence.
- We understand the importance of safe and responsive environments for clients, community and our staff.
- Domestic, family and sexual violence is pervasively gendered and predominately perpetrated by men against women and children.
- The use of violence is a choice and people need to be held responsible and accountable for their choices.
- We acknowledge and respect intersectionality and equity as identity is shaped by multiple factors that create individual experiences of disadvantage.
- First Nations people know best what their communities need and want. We recognise self-determination, the impact of cultural load and we contribute to the Closing the Gap targets.
Our Values
Integrity
We are trustworthy and act with honesty, always holding ourselves to a high level of ethical standards.
Compassion
We treat those we support and each other with patience, kindness, empathy and care.
Accountability
We lead by example, are transparent and solution focused, and take ownership for our decisions and actions.
Respect
We are inclusive, treat all people with dignity and equity, and value each other’s contributions.
Empowerment
We support and inspire all people to have a voice and be able to make choices to enable them to grow in strength, confidence and knowledge.
Our Vision
People in every community are safe from violence and interpersonal trauma.
Our Purpose
Supporting pathways to safety and healing from violence and interpersonal trauma.
Our Services and Programs
DVConnect provides the Queensland-wide domestic and family violence helplines, Womensline and Mensline, supporting families to live lives free from violence and facilitating access to safety.
DVConnect also provides the state-wide Sexual Assault Helpline for anyone who has been impacted by sexual abuse, including friends and family of survivors of assault, whether recent or historic. We also provide the Forensic Support Line, a service for anyone impacted by The Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland.
In addition, DVConnect provides VictimConnect, a program supporting people impacted by violent crime in Queensland. As part of this we provide the Victims of Crime Community Response (VoCCR) in partnership with Victim Assist Queensland.
DVConnect works in partnership with the RSPCA Queensland to provide safe accommodation for pets accompanying individuals escaping domestic, family and sexual violence. DVConnect also operates Bella’s Sanctuary, a medium-term transitional accommodation residence for women and children after leaving shelter.
Our expert training team provide tailored training options to business, organisations, government departments and services to help people, recognise and respond to domestic and family violence in the workplace. Find out more about our Workplace Training.
Our Partnerships
We are grateful to all our partners that help us to support more Queenslanders impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence. Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. Some of our partners include Commbank, Australian Retirement Trust, Halcyon, Mirvac, RSPCA Queensland, Maurice Blackburn, Queensland Rail, Fair World Foundation, Barbie Banks, Milton Common and Cheer Up Inc.
Australian Retirement Trust (formerly QSuper) has been a partner of DVConnect since 2016. Australian Retirement Trust have generously provided funding for one full time crisis counsellor every year since 2016. Their volunteer team also give up their time every year to help organise and deliver the Candle Lighting Vigil to remember lives lost. They also do fundraising activities to raise funds for those affected by domestic and family violence.
Halcyon and Mirvac have been partners of DVConnect since 2018 when a collaboration was formed to build a 5 unit, $1.5 million dollar bridging-accommodation facility. Lifestyle community developers Halcyon and listed property group Mirvac, along with over 90 of their suppliers donated their time, labour and materials to build the facility. The facility comprises 2 one-bedroom units, 2 two-bedroom units and 1 three-bedroom unit. Each unit has its own kitchenette, living area and courtyard. The facility also has a communal kitchen and living room, a play area, garage, a dedicated office space for DVConnect support services, as well as an alarm, state-of-the-art security camera surveillance and keypad entry on all doors and gates.
The RSPCA Queensland has been a partner of DVConnect since 2005 through our Pets In Crisis Program. This program ensures beloved pets are accommodated, receive veterinary care and are cared for while their human family members escape domestic and family violence. We know that a barrier to escaping violence is leaving pets behind so this program with the RSPCA Queensland is life saving for humans and their furry friends.
Maurice Blackburn Women’s Network announced their partnership with DVConnect on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2019 to coincide with their 100 years of fighting fair. Maurice Blackburn Women’s Network are committed to working with DVConnect to end domestic, family and sexual violence. The law firm have always been dedicated to social justice and were instrumental in contributing to some of Australia’s most influential legal decisions, including equal pay for women. They provide DVConnect with a variety of professional services pro bono. In addition, the Maurice Blackburn’s Equity Team have donated $10,000 cash. Maurice Blackburn employees also volunteer at DVConnect events and hold fundraising activities for our service.
Queensland Rail has been a partner of DVConnect since 2010. Queensland Rail has generously provided complementary long-haul train travel to DVConnect clients as there are many occasions where it is not safe for a person to stay in the same town or city where they experienced domestic violence.
Community Partners
Queensland Country Women’s Association has been a partner of DVConnect since 2011. Country Women’s Association has generously provided DVConnect with care packs for people escaping domestic and family violence.
Board of Directors
DVConnect is governed by a Board of Directors whose primary purpose is to provide strong governance and strategic framework. This governance guides and supports the Executive Leadership Team in the development and financing of the organisation’s activities.
The Directors also act as a reference point for specific issues that require expertise beyond the core capability of the organisation’s professionals.
As a company limited by guarantee and not-for-profit, the Directors must also comply with the duties and obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth), the Service Agreements and other applicable government policies and guidelines issued by our funding bodies. Our Constitution is available on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission website. This document governs the relationship between the organisation, the Directors and company secretary, and members.
For previous Directors, please view the Annual Reports.
Fiona Maxwell, CHAIR
Appointed Director 18 September 2017
Fiona Maxwell’s career has spanned the non-profit, government and university sectors in Australia and the USA. She is currently Executive Director of FareShare, a food relief charity providing 1 million meals a year to Queenslanders in need. Previously she was CEO of Brisbane Powerhouse, and Queensland Manager for Philanthropy Australia, establishing the Brisbane office and supporting philanthropists and non-profits alike to grow the sector. Fiona has extensive experience building strong relationships with stakeholders in various industries including the service industry, internet start-up sector and philanthropic sector.
Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queensland University of Technology, a Masters from the University of New South Wales and recently completed the Executive Program for Non-profit Leaders at Stanford University.
Linda Dreghorn, COMPANY SECRETARY
Appointed Company Secretary 22 February 2005. Appointed Director 20 July 2010
Linda is currently Company Secretary for Green Cross Australia, and Manager, Business Performance – Governance at Arts Queensland. Previous roles include Company Secretary and Legal Counsel for Major Brisbane Festivals Pty Ltd, General Manager of Brisbane Festival 2006, Secretary and Director of the Secretariat of the Queensland Law Society Inc., Co-ordinator of Due Diligence for SunWater’s acquisition of major water infrastructure and Lecturer in Law at the Queensland University of Technology.
Linda has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland, a Graduate Diploma in Company Secretarial Studies and is a graduate of the ACID Company Directors’ course.
Ben Bjarnesen, DIRECTOR
Appointed Director 19 August 2019
Ben is a passionate educator and campaigner who advocates for improved services for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of Domestic and Family Violence.
Ben is a ChurchillFellow and has travelled internationally to explore best practice solutions for Police Departments to enhance the way in which they respond to DFV in LGBTQ+ communities. He has since been actively involved in advising government and non-government organisations internationally on a range of initiatives designed to improve service delivery to LGBTQ+ communities.
Ben is a former Police officer with the Queensland Police Service and in 2020 he founded the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation. In 2023 he was appointed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to the Queensland Government Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Council. Ben is an awarded educator and campaigner and has previously been named as a ‘Human Rights Hero’ by the Australian Human Rights Commission and as one of Australia’sOutstanding 50 LGBTI+ Leaders by Deloitte & Google.
Ben holds a Diploma of Leadership & Management, Diploma of Public Safety (Policing), as well as Diploma of Security Risk Management.
Carly Jacobitz AHPRA GAICD, DEPUTY CHAIR
Appointed Director 2022
Carly is a registered psychologist and graduate of the AICD who brings 15 years of operational and executive experience in human services. She is the Executive Director at Life Without Barriers and is a non-executive Director of PeakCare, the child protection peak body in Queensland. Her extensive experience in child protection and disability within government and for-purpose organisations led her to be appointed to the Queensland Government’s Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce. Carly remains strongly committed to vulnerable children, young people, and families and is an advocate for financial agility and innovation within the organisations that serve them.
Professor Patrick O’Leary PhD, DIRECTOR
Appointed Director 2022
Patrick is an internationally recognised researcher currently based at Griffith University with significant expertise in domestic violence/gender-based violence (with a focus on perpetrator intervention, integrated, differential, and intersectional responses), child protection, long-term impact of child sexual abuse (especially for men), social work, hope, and socially excluded young people. He is Co-lead of the University’s Disrupting Violence Beacon and Director of Violence Research and Prevention Program (VRPP) which operates the bystander intervention project, MATE. Patrick was a member of the Queensland Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce examining coercive control and women’s experience of the justice system. He was also an Expert Academic Advisor to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Patrick Chairs the Clinical Advisory Committee for SAMSN, supporting male survivors of child sexual abuse.
Murray Benton
Appointed Director 25 November 2024
Murray is a proud Aboriginal Barkindji Koori man from Central West New South Wales. He is the Deputy CEO of Youth Justice with Queensland’s Youth Justice Peak Body, QATSICPP, and an appointed member of the Child Death Review Board with the Queensland Family and Child Commission.
Murray brings extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, specialising in housing, homelessness, and child, youth and family services. His background spans regional crisis response and specialist homelessness services, intensive case management, state and federal emergency relief, primary health and antenatal care, sexual and reproductive health, natural disaster recovery, domestic sexual and family violence support including refuge settings, multicultural migrant services, community housing and the development of Queensland’s first local housing action plan. Murray is a strong advocate for early intervention to prevent male violence against women and children, drawing on his own lived experience as a survivor to promote accountability and tailored support for men.
In 2018, he gained international exposure for his youth mental health and suicide prevention campaign, The Good Fight Australia. This aimed to raise awareness and advocate for greater government support for Australian families enduring the harsh effects of bullying, assault, and self-harm in school environments.
Murray holds a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration and is completing his Master of Business Administration, Management and Leadership.
Simone Moffat-Lane
Appointed Director 25 November 2024
Simone is a Chartered Accountant who brings with her over 15 years’ experience across a variety of financial disciplines, including internal and external audit, budgetary management and financial governance. Currently an acting Chief Finance Officer in the Queensland State Government, she also has extensive experience in the private sector, having worked in a number of varied roles within professional audit services, large listed companies and private equity health.
Simone holds an LLB Law (Honours) from the University of Edinburgh and has served as Treasurer and Board Director for a national not-for-profit organisation providing homelessness services and support.
Our Funding Bodies
The Queensland Government Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety funds Womensline, Mensline, Sexual Assault Helpline and Forensic Support Line. The Queensland Government Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support funds VictimConnect and VoCCR.
Policies
Client Charter
Our Client Charter sets out what you can expect from us and what we expect from clients.
Click to read our Easy to Read Client Charter
Our Vision
All lives are free from violence and abuse.
Our Commitment
What you can expect from DVConnect:
- You will be believed
- You will be treated with respect and dignity
- Your safety, and your family’s safety, is our priority
- Your needs will be responded to in a flexible, empowering and non-judgemental manner
- You can access a service that recognises your individual circumstances and respects your choices
- You have the right to provide feedback or ask questions
- We will be clear about what our service is able to do to meet your needs
- We will treat your personal and confidential information sensitively and responsibly
- We will always act as per our Principles and Values
DVConnect recognises your right to:
Safety
- To live without violence or fear of violence
- To have access to an environment free from violence
- To be assisted to recognise and respond to your safety needs
Access and Equity
- To receive a service that recognises the impact of colonisation and the unique political and social determinants that continue to impact on First Nations peoples
- To receive an inclusive service that respects your cultural or linguistic background, age, sexuality, gender identity, disability, mental health, economic status, if you have children and/or other affiliation or individual difference
- To have your specific needs recognised and responded to by us
- To access a suitably qualified interpreter
Empowerment
- To receive information that is accurate, timely, relevant and easy to understand
- To be empowered to make informed decisions and be supported to follow through with decisions made
- To change your mind or withdraw from our service at any time
Confidentiality
- To be informed why and how we collect personal information and your rights
- To have the privacy and confidentiality policy of the service explained to you
- To give informed consent before your information is shared, unless required by law
- To have your records kept secure
Coordination
- To easily access accurate information on other services that may be able to assist you
- To have our service to work professionally with other services to assist you
Advocacy
- To be assisted to advocate for your rights and/or the rights of your children
Prevention
- To have information about the prevention of domestic, family or sexual violence
- To be provided with information about supports to improve victim/survivor safety and supports to stop using violence
Accountability
- To have access to professional, experienced and skilled practitioners
- To have access to information on any limitations to our service or our obligations to you
- To give constructive feedback on the service received and contribute ideas on the improvement of the service
- To have access to an effectively managed and administered service
- To be able to make a complaint and to have issues responded to in good faith
Legislative protections
- To have a service provided that protects your human rights as per Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
- To have a service that upholds the Charter of Victims’ Rights if you are a victim/survivor of a crime under the Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Act 2024 (Qld), including domestic, family or sexual violence
How you can help us to assist you:
- Provide us with all requested information about your circumstances
- Tell us if you have special needs
- Let us know if you need an interpreter
- Treat our practitioners with courtesy and respect
Giving feedback or making a complaint:
Feedback is encouraged and valued. It helps us to understand what is working well and where there are opportunities for improvement.
If you are not happy with our service, support or staff at any time, or have ideas on how we can improve, we would like to hear from you.
To do this, and if you feel comfortable doing so, you can discuss this with your practitioner or ask to speak with a Team Leader or Manager. If they are not on duty at the time of your call – they will return your call at the next available opportunity.
You can also:
- email
- put your feedback or complaint in writing noted “In Confidence” to:
Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 10575 Adelaide Street
Brisbane Qld 4000.
DVConnect takes feedback and complaints very seriously and will investigate appropriately. All complaints will be treated in confidence, and you will not be disadvantaged in being provided a service through this process.
Whistleblower Policy
For more information on the below policies, please contact us at
DVConnect Privacy Policy
View DVConnect’s privacy policy to learn how and when we collect information, and your rights surrounding privacy.
Herstory
1980
A Queensland telephone crisis service for women in need of support, advice and assistance as a result of domestic and family violence was established by the Department of Communities Crisis Care program. The telephone number 1800 811 811 has been operational since 1980.
2002
DVConnect commenced operating the Womensline and Mensline.
2003
The Domestic Violence Act Amendment included elder abuse and informal care relationships which broadened the scope of delivery through the funded services of the sector.
2009
DVConnect received funding for the Sexual Assault Helpline.
Annually, DVConnect takes in excess of 100,000 calls across all lines and provides crisis intervention across a number of key services. Womensline receives 1 call for help every 7 minutes (across a 24 hour period). This is in the form of emergency telephone support, evacuation and crisis accommodation placement for families affected by abusive relationships, counselling for men, women and victims of sexual assault, education and support for men, community education and care for pets of families experiencing domestic and family violence.
DVConnect operates under a framework of a gendered analysis of domestic and family violence. A gendered analysis is supported by research, evidence and data, and indicates that domestic and family violence is most often perpetrated by men against women; and that perpetrators of this violence are fully responsible for their actions.
Annual Reports
We are grateful to all our partners that help us to support more Queenslanders impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence. Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. Some of our partners include Commbank, Australian Retirement Trust, Halcyon, Mirvac, RSPCA Queensland, Maurice Blackburn, Queensland Rail, Fair World Foundation, Barbie Banks, Milton Common and Cheer Up Inc.
Australian Retirement Trust (formerly QSuper) has been a partner of DVConnect since 2016. Australian Retirement Trust have generously provided funding for one full time crisis counsellor every year since 2016. Their volunteer team also give up their time every year to help organise and deliver the Candle Lighting Vigil to remember lives lost. They also do fundraising activities to raise funds for those affected by domestic and family violence.
Halcyon and Mirvac have been partners of DVConnect since 2018 when a collaboration was formed to build a 5 unit, $1.5 million dollar bridging-accommodation facility. Lifestyle community developers Halcyon and listed property group Mirvac, along with over 90 of their suppliers donated their time, labour and materials to build the facility. The facility comprises 2 one-bedroom units, 2 two-bedroom units and 1 three-bedroom unit. Each unit has its own kitchenette, living area and courtyard. The facility also has a communal kitchen and living room, a play area, garage, a dedicated office space for DVConnect support services, as well as an alarm, state-of-the-art security camera surveillance and keypad entry on all doors and gates.
The RSPCA Queensland has been a partner of DVConnect since 2005 through our Pets In Crisis Program. This program ensures beloved pets are accommodated, receive veterinary care and are cared for while their human family members escape domestic and family violence. We know that a barrier to escaping violence is leaving pets behind so this program with the RSPCA Queensland is life saving for humans and their furry friends.
Maurice Blackburn Women’s Network announced their partnership with DVConnect on International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2019 to coincide with their 100 years of fighting fair. Maurice Blackburn Women’s Network are committed to working with DVConnect to end domestic, family and sexual violence. The law firm have always been dedicated to social justice and were instrumental in contributing to some of Australia’s most influential legal decisions, including equal pay for women. They provide DVConnect with a variety of professional services pro bono. In addition, the Maurice Blackburn’s Equity Team have donated $10,000 cash. Maurice Blackburn employees also volunteer at DVConnect events and hold fundraising activities for our service.
Queensland Rail has been a partner of DVConnect since 2010. Queensland Rail has generously provided complementary long-haul train travel to DVConnect clients as there are many occasions where it is not safe for a person to stay in the same town or city where they experienced domestic violence.
Community Partners
Queensland Country Women’s Association has been a partner of DVConnect since 2011. Country Women’s Association has generously provided DVConnect with care packs for people escaping domestic and family violence.
Board of Directors
DVConnect is governed by a Board of Directors whose primary purpose is to provide strong governance and strategic framework. This governance guides and supports the Executive Leadership Team in the development and financing of the organisation’s activities.
The Directors also act as a reference point for specific issues that require expertise beyond the core capability of the organisation’s professionals.
As a company limited by guarantee and not-for-profit, the Directors must also comply with the duties and obligations under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth), the Service Agreements and other applicable government policies and guidelines issued by our funding bodies. Our Constitution is available on the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission website. This document governs the relationship between the organisation, the Directors and company secretary, and members.
For previous Directors, please view the Annual Reports.
Fiona Maxwell, CHAIR
Appointed Director 18 September 2017
Fiona Maxwell’s career has spanned the non-profit, government and university sectors in Australia and the USA. She is currently Executive Director of FareShare, a food relief charity providing 1 million meals a year to Queenslanders in need. Previously she was CEO of Brisbane Powerhouse, and Queensland Manager for Philanthropy Australia, establishing the Brisbane office and supporting philanthropists and non-profits alike to grow the sector. Fiona has extensive experience building strong relationships with stakeholders in various industries including the service industry, internet start-up sector and philanthropic sector.
Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queensland University of Technology, a Masters from the University of New South Wales and recently completed the Executive Program for Non-profit Leaders at Stanford University.
Linda Dreghorn, COMPANY SECRETARY
Appointed Company Secretary 22 February 2005. Appointed Director 20 July 2010
Linda is currently Company Secretary for Green Cross Australia, and Manager, Business Performance – Governance at Arts Queensland. Previous roles include Company Secretary and Legal Counsel for Major Brisbane Festivals Pty Ltd, General Manager of Brisbane Festival 2006, Secretary and Director of the Secretariat of the Queensland Law Society Inc., Co-ordinator of Due Diligence for SunWater’s acquisition of major water infrastructure and Lecturer in Law at the Queensland University of Technology.
Linda has a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Queensland, a Graduate Diploma in Company Secretarial Studies and is a graduate of the ACID Company Directors’ course.
Ben Bjarnesen, DIRECTOR
Appointed Director 19 August 2019
Ben is a passionate educator and campaigner who advocates for improved services for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors of Domestic and Family Violence.
Ben is a ChurchillFellow and has travelled internationally to explore best practice solutions for Police Departments to enhance the way in which they respond to DFV in LGBTQ+ communities. He has since been actively involved in advising government and non-government organisations internationally on a range of initiatives designed to improve service delivery to LGBTQ+ communities.
Ben is a former Police officer with the Queensland Police Service and in 2020 he founded the LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation. In 2023 he was appointed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to the Queensland Government Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Council. Ben is an awarded educator and campaigner and has previously been named as a ‘Human Rights Hero’ by the Australian Human Rights Commission and as one of Australia’sOutstanding 50 LGBTI+ Leaders by Deloitte & Google.
Ben holds a Diploma of Leadership & Management, Diploma of Public Safety (Policing), as well as Diploma of Security Risk Management.
Carly Jacobitz AHPRA GAICD, DEPUTY CHAIR
Appointed Director 2022
Carly is a registered psychologist and graduate of the AICD who brings 15 years of operational and executive experience in human services. She is the Executive Director at Life Without Barriers and is a non-executive Director of PeakCare, the child protection peak body in Queensland. Her extensive experience in child protection and disability within government and for-purpose organisations led her to be appointed to the Queensland Government’s Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Taskforce. Carly remains strongly committed to vulnerable children, young people, and families and is an advocate for financial agility and innovation within the organisations that serve them.
Professor Patrick O’Leary PhD, DIRECTOR
Appointed Director 2022
Patrick is an internationally recognised researcher currently based at Griffith University with significant expertise in domestic violence/gender-based violence (with a focus on perpetrator intervention, integrated, differential, and intersectional responses), child protection, long-term impact of child sexual abuse (especially for men), social work, hope, and socially excluded young people. He is Co-lead of the University’s Disrupting Violence Beacon and Director of Violence Research and Prevention Program (VRPP) which operates the bystander intervention project, MATE. Patrick was a member of the Queensland Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce examining coercive control and women’s experience of the justice system. He was also an Expert Academic Advisor to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Patrick Chairs the Clinical Advisory Committee for SAMSN, supporting male survivors of child sexual abuse.
Murray Benton
Appointed Director 25 November 2024
Murray is a proud Aboriginal Barkindji Koori man from Central West New South Wales. He is the Deputy CEO of Youth Justice with Queensland’s Youth Justice Peak Body, QATSICPP, and an appointed member of the Child Death Review Board with the Queensland Family and Child Commission.
Murray brings extensive experience in the not-for-profit sector, specialising in housing, homelessness, and child, youth and family services. His background spans regional crisis response and specialist homelessness services, intensive case management, state and federal emergency relief, primary health and antenatal care, sexual and reproductive health, natural disaster recovery, domestic sexual and family violence support including refuge settings, multicultural migrant services, community housing and the development of Queensland’s first local housing action plan. Murray is a strong advocate for early intervention to prevent male violence against women and children, drawing on his own lived experience as a survivor to promote accountability and tailored support for men.
In 2018, he gained international exposure for his youth mental health and suicide prevention campaign, The Good Fight Australia. This aimed to raise awareness and advocate for greater government support for Australian families enduring the harsh effects of bullying, assault, and self-harm in school environments.
Murray holds a Graduate Diploma of Business Administration and is completing his Master of Business Administration, Management and Leadership.
Simone Moffat-Lane
Appointed Director 25 November 2024
Simone is a Chartered Accountant who brings with her over 15 years’ experience across a variety of financial disciplines, including internal and external audit, budgetary management and financial governance. Currently an acting Chief Finance Officer in the Queensland State Government, she also has extensive experience in the private sector, having worked in a number of varied roles within professional audit services, large listed companies and private equity health.
Simone holds an LLB Law (Honours) from the University of Edinburgh and has served as Treasurer and Board Director for a national not-for-profit organisation providing homelessness services and support.
Our Funding Bodies
The Queensland Government Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety funds Womensline, Mensline, Sexual Assault Helpline and Forensic Support Line. The Queensland Government Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support funds VictimConnect and VoCCR.
Policies
Client Charter
Our Client Charter sets out what you can expect from us and what we expect from clients.
Click to read our Easy to Read Client Charter
Our Vision
All lives are free from violence and abuse.
Our Commitment
What you can expect from DVConnect:
- You will be believed
- You will be treated with respect and dignity
- Your safety, and your family’s safety, is our priority
- Your needs will be responded to in a flexible, empowering and non-judgemental manner
- You can access a service that recognises your individual circumstances and respects your choices
- You have the right to provide feedback or ask questions
- We will be clear about what our service is able to do to meet your needs
- We will treat your personal and confidential information sensitively and responsibly
- We will always act as per our Principles and Values
DVConnect recognises your right to:
Safety
- To live without violence or fear of violence
- To have access to an environment free from violence
- To be assisted to recognise and respond to your safety needs
Access and Equity
- To receive a service that recognises the impact of colonisation and the unique political and social determinants that continue to impact on First Nations peoples
- To receive an inclusive service that respects your cultural or linguistic background, age, sexuality, gender identity, disability, mental health, economic status, if you have children and/or other affiliation or individual difference
- To have your specific needs recognised and responded to by us
- To access a suitably qualified interpreter
Empowerment
- To receive information that is accurate, timely, relevant and easy to understand
- To be empowered to make informed decisions and be supported to follow through with decisions made
- To change your mind or withdraw from our service at any time
Confidentiality
- To be informed why and how we collect personal information and your rights
- To have the privacy and confidentiality policy of the service explained to you
- To give informed consent before your information is shared, unless required by law
- To have your records kept secure
Coordination
- To easily access accurate information on other services that may be able to assist you
- To have our service to work professionally with other services to assist you
Advocacy
- To be assisted to advocate for your rights and/or the rights of your children
Prevention
- To have information about the prevention of domestic, family or sexual violence
- To be provided with information about supports to improve victim/survivor safety and supports to stop using violence
Accountability
- To have access to professional, experienced and skilled practitioners
- To have access to information on any limitations to our service or our obligations to you
- To give constructive feedback on the service received and contribute ideas on the improvement of the service
- To have access to an effectively managed and administered service
- To be able to make a complaint and to have issues responded to in good faith
Legislative protections
- To have a service provided that protects your human rights as per Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
- To have a service that upholds the Charter of Victims’ Rights if you are a victim/survivor of a crime under the Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Act 2024 (Qld), including domestic, family or sexual violence
How you can help us to assist you:
- Provide us with all requested information about your circumstances
- Tell us if you have special needs
- Let us know if you need an interpreter
- Treat our practitioners with courtesy and respect
Giving feedback or making a complaint:
Feedback is encouraged and valued. It helps us to understand what is working well and where there are opportunities for improvement.
If you are not happy with our service, support or staff at any time, or have ideas on how we can improve, we would like to hear from you.
To do this, and if you feel comfortable doing so, you can discuss this with your practitioner or ask to speak with a Team Leader or Manager. If they are not on duty at the time of your call – they will return your call at the next available opportunity.
You can also:
- email
- put your feedback or complaint in writing noted “In Confidence” to:
Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 10575 Adelaide Street
Brisbane Qld 4000.
DVConnect takes feedback and complaints very seriously and will investigate appropriately. All complaints will be treated in confidence, and you will not be disadvantaged in being provided a service through this process.
Whistleblower Policy
For more information on the below policies, please contact us at
DVConnect Privacy Policy
View DVConnect’s privacy policy to learn how and when we collect information, and your rights surrounding privacy.
Herstory
1980
A Queensland telephone crisis service for women in need of support, advice and assistance as a result of domestic and family violence was established by the Department of Communities Crisis Care program. The telephone number 1800 811 811 has been operational since 1980.
2002
DVConnect commenced operating the Womensline and Mensline.
2003
The Domestic Violence Act Amendment included elder abuse and informal care relationships which broadened the scope of delivery through the funded services of the sector.
2009
DVConnect received funding for the Sexual Assault Helpline.
Annually, DVConnect takes in excess of 100,000 calls across all lines and provides crisis intervention across a number of key services. Womensline receives 1 call for help every 7 minutes (across a 24 hour period). This is in the form of emergency telephone support, evacuation and crisis accommodation placement for families affected by abusive relationships, counselling for men, women and victims of sexual assault, education and support for men, community education and care for pets of families experiencing domestic and family violence.
DVConnect operates under a framework of a gendered analysis of domestic and family violence. A gendered analysis is supported by research, evidence and data, and indicates that domestic and family violence is most often perpetrated by men against women; and that perpetrators of this violence are fully responsible for their actions.
Annual Reports
The Queensland Government Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety funds Womensline, Mensline, Sexual Assault Helpline and Forensic Support Line. The Queensland Government Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support funds VictimConnect and VoCCR.
Policies
Client Charter
Our Client Charter sets out what you can expect from us and what we expect from clients.
Click to read our Easy to Read Client Charter
Our Vision
All lives are free from violence and abuse.
Our Commitment
What you can expect from DVConnect:
- You will be believed
- You will be treated with respect and dignity
- Your safety, and your family’s safety, is our priority
- Your needs will be responded to in a flexible, empowering and non-judgemental manner
- You can access a service that recognises your individual circumstances and respects your choices
- You have the right to provide feedback or ask questions
- We will be clear about what our service is able to do to meet your needs
- We will treat your personal and confidential information sensitively and responsibly
- We will always act as per our Principles and Values
DVConnect recognises your right to:
Safety
- To live without violence or fear of violence
- To have access to an environment free from violence
- To be assisted to recognise and respond to your safety needs
Access and Equity
- To receive a service that recognises the impact of colonisation and the unique political and social determinants that continue to impact on First Nations peoples
- To receive an inclusive service that respects your cultural or linguistic background, age, sexuality, gender identity, disability, mental health, economic status, if you have children and/or other affiliation or individual difference
- To have your specific needs recognised and responded to by us
- To access a suitably qualified interpreter
Empowerment
- To receive information that is accurate, timely, relevant and easy to understand
- To be empowered to make informed decisions and be supported to follow through with decisions made
- To change your mind or withdraw from our service at any time
Confidentiality
- To be informed why and how we collect personal information and your rights
- To have the privacy and confidentiality policy of the service explained to you
- To give informed consent before your information is shared, unless required by law
- To have your records kept secure
Coordination
- To easily access accurate information on other services that may be able to assist you
- To have our service to work professionally with other services to assist you
Advocacy
- To be assisted to advocate for your rights and/or the rights of your children
Prevention
- To have information about the prevention of domestic, family or sexual violence
- To be provided with information about supports to improve victim/survivor safety and supports to stop using violence
Accountability
- To have access to professional, experienced and skilled practitioners
- To have access to information on any limitations to our service or our obligations to you
- To give constructive feedback on the service received and contribute ideas on the improvement of the service
- To have access to an effectively managed and administered service
- To be able to make a complaint and to have issues responded to in good faith
Legislative protections
- To have a service provided that protects your human rights as per Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld)
- To have a service that upholds the Charter of Victims’ Rights if you are a victim/survivor of a crime under the Victims’ Commissioner and Sexual Violence Review Board Act 2024 (Qld), including domestic, family or sexual violence
How you can help us to assist you:
- Provide us with all requested information about your circumstances
- Tell us if you have special needs
- Let us know if you need an interpreter
- Treat our practitioners with courtesy and respect
Giving feedback or making a complaint:
Feedback is encouraged and valued. It helps us to understand what is working well and where there are opportunities for improvement.
If you are not happy with our service, support or staff at any time, or have ideas on how we can improve, we would like to hear from you.
To do this, and if you feel comfortable doing so, you can discuss this with your practitioner or ask to speak with a Team Leader or Manager. If they are not on duty at the time of your call – they will return your call at the next available opportunity.
You can also:
- put your feedback or complaint in writing noted “In Confidence” to:
Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 10575 Adelaide Street
Brisbane Qld 4000.
DVConnect takes feedback and complaints very seriously and will investigate appropriately. All complaints will be treated in confidence, and you will not be disadvantaged in being provided a service through this process.
Whistleblower Policy
For more information on the below policies, please contact us at
DVConnect Privacy Policy
View DVConnect’s privacy policy to learn how and when we collect information, and your rights surrounding privacy.
Herstory
1980
A Queensland telephone crisis service for women in need of support, advice and assistance as a result of domestic and family violence was established by the Department of Communities Crisis Care program. The telephone number 1800 811 811 has been operational since 1980.
2002
DVConnect commenced operating the Womensline and Mensline.
2003
The Domestic Violence Act Amendment included elder abuse and informal care relationships which broadened the scope of delivery through the funded services of the sector.
2009
DVConnect received funding for the Sexual Assault Helpline.
Annually, DVConnect takes in excess of 100,000 calls across all lines and provides crisis intervention across a number of key services. Womensline receives 1 call for help every 7 minutes (across a 24 hour period). This is in the form of emergency telephone support, evacuation and crisis accommodation placement for families affected by abusive relationships, counselling for men, women and victims of sexual assault, education and support for men, community education and care for pets of families experiencing domestic and family violence.
DVConnect operates under a framework of a gendered analysis of domestic and family violence. A gendered analysis is supported by research, evidence and data, and indicates that domestic and family violence is most often perpetrated by men against women; and that perpetrators of this violence are fully responsible for their actions.
Annual Reports
1980
A Queensland telephone crisis service for women in need of support, advice and assistance as a result of domestic and family violence was established by the Department of Communities Crisis Care program. The telephone number 1800 811 811 has been operational since 1980.
2002
DVConnect commenced operating the Womensline and Mensline.
2003
The Domestic Violence Act Amendment included elder abuse and informal care relationships which broadened the scope of delivery through the funded services of the sector.
2009
DVConnect received funding for the Sexual Assault Helpline.
Annually, DVConnect takes in excess of 100,000 calls across all lines and provides crisis intervention across a number of key services. Womensline receives 1 call for help every 7 minutes (across a 24 hour period). This is in the form of emergency telephone support, evacuation and crisis accommodation placement for families affected by abusive relationships, counselling for men, women and victims of sexual assault, education and support for men, community education and care for pets of families experiencing domestic and family violence.
DVConnect operates under a framework of a gendered analysis of domestic and family violence. A gendered analysis is supported by research, evidence and data, and indicates that domestic and family violence is most often perpetrated by men against women; and that perpetrators of this violence are fully responsible for their actions.
