Bank of Queensland donates $50,000 to DVConnect
The BOQ Group have announced a donation of $50,000 to Queensland’s only 24 hour domestic violence helpline DVConnect, to help combat the growing rates of domestic and family violence and homelessness as a result of COVID-19.
BOQ Group CEO and Managing Director, George Frazis said the BOQ Group is committed to finding new ways to support vulnerable Australians during these unprecedented times.
“BOQ has a proud history of giving back and our community investment approach is designed to help vulnerable Australians prosper,” Mr Frazis said.
“Our ability to fundraise across our network has been limited due to the effect of COVID-19, however these donations are a significant step in supporting those experiencing increased vulnerability as a result of the pandemic.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in our community and we are proudly supporting organisations that have been making a valuable impact, which demonstrates the Group’s commitment to Australia’s most vulnerable.”
The Group also donated $100,000 to their National Fundraising Partner, Orange Sky Australia.
DVConnect CEO Beck O’Connor said the investment will be used to help fund the operation of Bella’s Sanctuary, DVConnect’s purpose-built accommodation residence, which provides up to five families at any one time with longer-term housing stability.
“Bella’s Sanctuary was built because there is a significant void of supportive housing options for women and children after they have left a refuge/shelter. This is a contributing factor to women becoming homeless after leaving domestic violence.”
“As Bella’s Sanctuary does not receive any government funding, we rely solely on generous donations such as this from BOQ to keep it operating and we are incredibly grateful for this contribution.” Ms O’Connor said.
DVConnect helps Queenslanders find pathways to safety away from domestic and family violence. DVConnect operates three crisis helplines; Womensline, Mensline and the Sexual Assault Helpline. DVConnect is Queensland’s only free telephone service specialising in domestic, family and sexual violence offering crisis counsellors who can provide safety planning, information, interventions, referrals and emergency transport and accommodation. DVConnect operates Bella’s Sanctuary, a medium-term accommodation residence for women and children after leaving refuge/shelter. DVConnect also offers Workplace Domestic Violence Training to Queensland organisations.
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.
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