What is a DVU?
The Domestic Violence Units (DVUs) are internal WLSQ programs that assist women with ongoing casework in domestic and family violence matters, family separation and/or divorce matters.
Through the DVUs, WLSQ provides intensive support to women with complex needs who are experiencing high risk domestic violence. WLSQ has DVUs in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Caboolture which provide support to women all over Queensland.
Women are assessed internally according to eligibility requirements and the capacity of the units when they connect with the WLSQ Helpline, receive a legal advice appointment from one of the WLSQ lawyers, or are referred to WLSQ.
Who can WLSQ DVUs help?
Women must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Priority will be given to women who meet the above criteria, and:
Please note our DVUs are small programs with limited capacity. This means that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that a woman will receive support through the DVUs.
How can WLSQ DVUs help?
Where women meet the criteria, and WLSQ has capacity, they may receive legal and social work services including:
How can services refer women to the DVUs?
Services cannot provide warm referrals to the DVUs, WLSQ will assess their eligibility for the DVUs internally.
Services can refer women to WLSQ by completing the WLSQ referral form. WLSQ will then contact the woman directly to organise a suitable time for an advice appointment. Please note, you must provide WLSQ with a safe way to contact the woman.
Women can call the WLSQ Helpline on 1800 957 957, 9:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
WLSQ acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, particularly the Turrbul, Yuggera, Gubbi Gubbi, Ugarapul peoples and the Yugambeh Language Region on whose lands our offices sit. We recognise their continuing connection to this Country, its waters, and culture. We acknowledge that their sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present, and we especially honour First Nations women and the traditions they carry.
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