The Queensland Police Service’s Gold Coast District (GCD) has today launched a new joint-project with the Gold Coast Centre Against Sexual Violence Inc. (GCCASV), which will see a female officer stationed at the Southport support-agency once a week.
The QPS recognises that victims/survivors of sexual violence have experienced significant trauma which can impact their lives in various ways, including their ability to attend a police station and engage with officers.
This afternoon, the GCD and GCCASV signed a ‘memorandum of understanding’ which outlines how a female Detective will be rostered to attend the GCCASV on a specified day and time each week.
This officer will be responsible for providing sexual violence information, advice and support directly to the victim/survivor in relation to police, legal processes and their rights.
The purpose of the agreement is to:
- Remove barriers and increase access to justice for victim/survivors of sexual violence
- Provide a safe location for police to positively engage with vulnerable victim/survivors
- Increase reporting rates and reduce attrition in cases of sexual violence
Gold Coast District Acting Chief Superintendent Rhys Wildman said everyone has a right to safety; “Sexual assault is never OK and is a violation of your right to safety”.
“Support is available. It’s important to know that it’s not your fault and you are not alone. If you are assaulted, please let police know. We are here to help.”
GCCASV Director Di Macleod said today was an exciting day; “Sometimes women will come to us and they’re thinking about reporting what happened to them to police but they don’t feel confident enough to physically enter the police station”.
“This will make a difference in terms of a victim’s confidence in engaging with police and ultimately holding offenders accountable.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
