Service Profile

The Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc. (DVPC) which was established in 1992, is a not-for-profit community-based specialist domestic violence service.

The service receives funding from the Queensland Department of Communities. This funding covers the core aspects of service provision. However, there are many programs including Sinclair House which are un-funded and dependent on donations and sponsors.

The organisation provides a range of services and supports including crisis intervention, counselling for women and children, groups for women and children, court assistance, men's programs, community education and training, community awareness activities as well as having been the driver for the Gold Coast Domestic Violence Integrated Response. Over the past ten years the service has grown and developed and is recognised a leader in Queensland in providing high quality services and supports.

Philosophy

The Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc. works from a feminist perspective and practice. The service upholds the belief that structural inequalities in society greatly disadvantage women and children and results in power differentials and violence in interpersonal relationships. The services adheres to that principle the violence is never justifiable or excusable and that abusers should be held accountable for their behaviour .

Goals

The goals of the Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast Inc. are:

• To provide a specialist crisis intervention and counselling service to women and children affected by domestic violence
• To enhance the safety of victims of domestic violence
• To hold abusers accountable for their behaviour
• To reduce secondary victiminisation by working towards systems reform
• To raise community awareness to domestic violence

Client Group

The primary target group of the service is women and their children affected by domestic violence.

Behaviour change groups are also provided to men who use violence in their interpersonal relationships. These groups are a joint project between DVPC and Department of Corrective Services.

• Free & Confidential information and referral is also provided to:

1. Men identifying as victims / perpetrators
2. People affected by other forms of violence
3. Relative/friends
4. Students
5. Service providers and other professionals
6. General public

Service Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am – 5pm and Wednesdays 9am – 1pm