Experts Gather to Tackle Rising Challenges
‘s annual Domestic and Family Violence forum convened hundreds of experts on 3rd May to tackle a 76% surge in counselling demand and enhance support for victim-survivors. This event serves as a crucial gathering point for service providers, offering a platform for sharing insights and developing strategies.
Over the past six months, Women’s Health and Equality Queensland (WHEQ) reported a dramatic increase in the need for counselling services, prompting a focus on prevention strategies and support mechanisms. This surge underscores the growing crisis and the urgent need for collaborative efforts.
Balveen Ajimal, CEO of WHEQ, emphasised the critical timing of the forum, stating, “In an environment of crisis and growing need to support women and children experiencing domestic and family violence, it is critical that the sector and its supporters come together to improve prevention strategies and outcomes.”
Building Connections for Solutions
Facilitating connections between survivors and practitioners was a key aim of the forum, allowing for collaborative efforts to address the crisis. Vanessa Fowler OAM, keynote speaker and Co-Chair of the Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council, remarked, “Everyone has a role to play in ending domestic and family violence. Bringing together frontline practitioners, survivors and families is vital to strengthening our approach.”
Addressing legal challenges for victim-survivors, Nadia Bromley, CEO of Women’s Legal Service, called for changes in the legal landscape. “We must keep working to change the legal landscape in relation to domestic, family and sexual violence,” she stated, highlighting the significant hurdle the legal system poses for many victim-survivors seeking justice.
Collaborative Efforts for Change
Service providers have the opportunity to collaborate and develop effective strategies to promote societal change with the goal of improving safety and support for women and children. This gathering marks a step towards creating a unified approach in tackling the crisis.
Vanessa Fowler, who also chairs the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation, stressed the importance of continued efforts. The foundation diligently works to raise awareness and support for domestic violence prevention. This forum reflects the ongoing commitment by various organisations to make a tangible difference.
With the involvement of hundreds of dedicated practitioners, the forum is set to influence future policies and practices. Insights shared here are expected to lead to impactful solutions that address the ever-increasing demand for support services.
Last updated: 5 May 2026, 12:06 pm
