Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Prevention Queensland

Did you know there are still ways for your smartphones to be tracked even if it’s switched off or airplane mode? They can be tracked in several ways, including:
🕵️ Spyware - software that can secretly monitor activity
🗼Phone tower triangulation - locating a device based on nearby mobile towers
📍 Bluetooth and location tracking - signals that can show your last or current position

These methods can send off “pings” to reveal where the device has been or even where it is currently.

Protecting your privacy matters. Whether you’re using a smartphone, social media, email, or internet banking, understanding your settings is one of the strongest ways to safeguard your personal information.

The eSafety Commissioner provides resources and guides to help you adjust privacy and security settings across different devices and platforms: www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/domestic-family-violence/video-library

For more practical advice on staying safe when using technology, visit: www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/need-to-know/how-can-i-stay-safe/practical-steps-to-stay-safe/using-technology-safely

[Image description: A blue graphic tile with text saying "Did You Know?" with illustration of woman walking while using her phone. A red box labeled "myth" stating, "Your phone can’t be tracked if it’s on airplane mode or turned off." Underneath a blue box labeled "fact" stating, "Even if your phone is off or airplane mode, there are still ways for it to be tracked."]

A new HOPE Hub has opened at Orion Springfield Central, providing support to community members to recover and rebuild their lives following domestic and family violence. The Hub opened its doors on 1 June and is the first of three new HOPE Hubs being established across Queensland. The Hub offers a safe, confidential environment for victim survivors, giving them access to trauma informed programs, counselling, legal assistance, and health, housing, and financial services. It is operated by Beyond DV and funded by the Queensland Government.

It is open seven days a week and staffed by trained professionals. More information is available at www.beyonddv.org.au.

For more support options visit www.qld.gov.au/dfvhelp.

[Image description: A blue graphic tile with white text saying "New HOPE Hub opened", with illustration of two hands holding a purple heart.]

How do you respond to disrespect?

Whether it’s directed at you or you're witnessing it. Let’s change the way we respond to disrespect.

Every action no matter how small makes a difference in preventing disrespect. By taking a stand, we send a message to say that behaviour is not ok.

Below are some simple phrases you can use next time you see disrespect. 👇

For more information or resources on how to handle disrespect visit ➡️ www.ourwatch.org.au/what-you-can-do-about-disrespect

[Image description: A graphic with a dark background and blue accents featuring four speech bubbles. The text reads: "Let's change how we respond to disrespect." The speech bubbles contain the following phrases: "You're making them feel uncomfortable," "What you just said was not ok," "Please stop talking like that about someone," and "I need to step away from this conversation."]

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month might be coming to an end, but the need for prevention does not stop.

We’re calling on Queenslanders to keep showing up and helping prevent DFV in our communities.

By consistently taking small and positive actions, we can change the conditions that allow and drive violence, or even excuse, justify or promote harmful actions, behaviours and social norms.

Coordinated, statewide action is critical to preventing domestic and family violence.

Keep up to date on what we’re doing to keep Queenslanders safe at www.qld.gov.au/needtoknow

[Image description: Graphic blue tile with white text saying "Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence." In the centre is a photo of family with their hands together in the outdoors. There is white text in a search bar saying "www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth/"]

⚠️ Important Darkness to Daylight event update ⚠️

Darkness to Daylight will be rescheduled for Thursday and Friday, 18 and 19 June 2026. The event has been postponed due to weather-related safety concerns.

Everyone who has registered for D2D2026 will receive an email from Challenge DV with more information, and you can contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

Darkness to Daylight 2026 | Home Challenge DV respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water, and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Understanding domestic and family violence (DFV) and the laws around it can feel overwhelming at times.

These new resources make it easier to get clear, accesible information, with explanations in multiple languages and full transcripts.

Whether you're learning for yourself, supporting someone else or working in your community, these tools help to explain DFV and empower you to take action safely and confidently.

[Image description: Graphic tile illustration from The Centre for Women and Co post with text saying "New Domestic and Family Violence resources"]

During Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Queenslanders are encouraged to take small, simple actions that help build safer communities. One of the most powerful things you can do is model respectful communication.

Listening with empathy, speaking with kindness and treating others with respect sets a positive example for the people around you.

These small, consistent actions help create environments where respect is the norm and violence is never tolerated.

Let’s all play our part and together Queenslanders can prevent DFV.

Learn more about how you can take action this May 👉 www.qld.gov.au/dfvpmonth

[Image description: a blue social tile featuring white text that reads, “Every action matters. Model respect and inspire change.” At the centre is a photo of a mum with her daughter in a park. White text that reads “Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 1 – 31 May 2026”.]

Domestic and family violence can have devastating long-term consequences for children. It can impact their friendships and relationships, as well as participation in social and community settings.

The University of Melbourne researchers have teamed up with domestic homicide victim survivors, practitioners and organisations to launch an educational children’s book, aimed at improving outcomes for young people impacted by fatal domestic and family violence.

The book titled ‘What Ally Needs Now’ is targeted towards children aged between 8-10 and shares the journey of a character navigating grief after fatal domestic and family violence with support from other victim-survivors.

Read more→ www.unimelb.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/april/childrens-book-highlights-plight-of-domestic-homicide-victim-survivors

If you, your child or someone you know is impacted by DFV, information and support is available at www.qld.gov.au/needtoknow

[Image description: Graphic tile of the book cover for ‘What Ally Needs Now’ with white text on the bottom saying "Children's book highlights plight of homicide victim survivors".]

After identifying a lack of child-centred and tailored support for people bereaved by domestic homicide, researchers from the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences at UniMelb brought together people with lived experience and professionals to develop a supportive resource.

UniMelb researchers teamed up with domestic homicide victim survivors, practitioners and organisations to launch an educational children’s book, aimed at improving outcomes for young people impacted by fatal family violence.

The book, 'What Ally Needs Now,’ written by Andrea Baldwin and illustrated by Thu Huong Nguyen, is available as a free e-book via the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare website or in print on demand.

Read more→ unimelb.me/41mg8kA

The Queensland Government is setting a new direction for people to feel safe in their relationships and in our communities with the launch of the Safer Families, Safer Communities: A Domestic and Family Violence Reform Strategy for Queensland.

It focuses on preventing domestic and family violence, early intervention, accountability and support for long-term recovery and healing.

You can learn more about the Strategy and the Phase 1: Reset work, by visiting www.qld.gov.au/dfvstrategy.

[Image description: Blue image with text that reads, “Safer Families, Safer Communities: A Domestic and Family Violence Strategy for Queensland. There is a white illustration of a stylised flower made from people above the text.]

This week we celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers across Queensland. Your time, energy and care make a real difference in the our communities.

A special thank you to the volunteers working in domestic, family and sexual violence prevention organisations. You help create stronger, safer communities every day.

For more information, visit 👉 https://www.volunteeringaustralia.org/

[Image description: Text reads ‘National Volunteer Week 18–24 May 2026, Your Year to Volunteer’, with multicoloured wave graphics on the left and right of the image. It includes the hashtag ]