Support for Survivors and Victims of Violence

Nobody should have to experience violence.

Violence is when a person hurts another person. It includes:

physical assault

sexual violence

threats of violence

domestic and family violence

intimate partner violence

LGBTIQA+SB people may experience some extra difficulties when seeking support. LGBTI Legal Service can help with your legal matters and connect you with other supports.

How LGBTI Legal Service can support you

Victim Assist Queensland helps people who have been affected by violence with financial assistance and counselling. LGBTI Legal Service to help with your Victim Assist application, or help you appeal a result.

LGBTI Legal Service can provide advice on domestic and family violence, including Police Protection Notices.

We can provide free and confidential legal advice on your options, explain the court system or help you prepare to file a police report?

We can provide legal assistance for people experiencing domestic and family violence, including advice about domestic violence orders.

Victim Assist Queensland

Victim Assist helps people who have been impacted by violence with financial assistance and counselling. This includes witnesses and parents of children who have experienced violence. You can apply yourself online, or you can ask LGBTI Legal Service to help with your application.

Eligibility

In case cases, to be eligible the violence must have:

caused a physical or psychological injury

happened in QLD

happened in the last three years, with the option to apply for an extension

been reported to the police, with some exemptions

Special Primary Victims

A Special Primary Victim does not have to report to the police. They can disclose the violence to a doctor, psychologist, or domestic violence service instead.

Any of these things could make you a Special Primary Victim:

sexual violence

domestic or family violence

being under 18

having impaired capacity

being threatened

violence from a person in a position of power

Special Assistance Payment

One off payment that you can however you want. It acknowledges that nobody should have to experience violence. The amount received depends on the kind of violence you experienced.

Medical costs

You can be reimbursed for medical expenses related to the violence. This includes physical and psychological injuries, and things like dentists, optometrists and podiatrists. VAQ can help you organise counselling.

Loss of Earnings

If you were employed and have to take unpaid leave to recover from your injuries, you might be able to get some money to replace that loss of earnings.

Getting to safety

In some special circumstances, it can help with costs needed to get to safety, such as emergency accommodation, moving house, or getting security for your house.

Other supports

Diverse Voices

“At Diverse Voices, we know how important it is to feel safe. As a LGBTIQA+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy community led organisation, we are committed to supporting our communities in a safe, inclusive and affirming way, and providing community led services.
If you identify as part of the LGBTIQASB+ community, and are seeking support due to experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence, or you are using violence toward a partner, we are here to support you”