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Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven

WOMEN'S HEALTH Change in the Court System In interstate and overseas jurisdictions, specialised DV courts have been shown to give greater victim satisfaction, ensure offender accountability and reduce re-offending rates. The Queensland Government provided $38 million dollars to commence a specialised ‘DV Court’ in Southport for a six-month trial. This has been extended for a further six months. The DV court exclusively processes domestic and family violence related cases using DV specialist personnel. Two highly experienced DV Court Judges preside over the court. There are five full-time prosecution lawyers managing 40-50 DV matters each day. Duty lawyers are available to both applicants and respondents. There are volunteers available to assist with checking-in and directions. There are secure rooms available for use. Legal aid and other specialised support teams have offices there. When sentencing perpetrators, the Penalties and Sentencing Act 1992 (Qld) is used. The Act recognises the need to protect Queensland citizens (including victims of DV) from criminal offenders. The likelihood of escalation of DV is also considered when sentencing. Change in Pindara Private Hospital Hospitals are often the first place that a victim can safely disclose DV incidents. Pindara Private hospital intends to be a leading institution in the management of DV. Pindara is actively developing its protocols to recognise and respond to cases of suspected and known DV among its staff and patients. Key staff will be trained in all aspects of detection and safe management of DV. Pindara Hospital provides a caring and supportive environment for victims to safely disclose DV. The hospital will have management plans available and these will be activated depending on the victim’s wishes. New Domestic and Family Violence Protocols at Pindara will complement existing policies and procedures which assist staff in recognising and responding to cases of suspected child abuse. Pindara also has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding violence in the workplace. Conclusion In response to community concerns, the Queensland Government implemented initiatives on the Gold Coast at police and judicial levels in an attempt to reduce the societal scourge of DV. These changes may encourage friends, families and victims of DV to seek help; hopefully freeing them from a life of violence. Many Gold Coast residents have a relative or other contact who is living with domestic violence. The Gold Coast community must make it clear to offenders that abusing or controlling a partner is unacceptable, intolerable, criminal and punishable. As a community, let us stretch out a caring hand to support victims. Can we encourage Gold Coast schools to fall in line with Victoria and introduce ‘Respectful Relationships’ or other similar programmes to educate our younger generation about the basic human right to live a life without violence? In the words of Malala Yousafzai, "There is a moment when you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up." With respect to DV, for the residents of the Gold Coast that moment is now. pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 51


Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
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