Operating out of The Access Gateway, Access is proud to announce our newest program: 99 Steps - a support service for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence (DFV). Funded through the Queensland Government, Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services, 99 Steps will improve pathways to support services with an emphasis on recovery for those transitioning out of crisis support.

For the past two years, Access has worked in partnership with YFS, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast, Multicultural Families Organisations and the Logan District Police Service to explore the impact and experiences of DFV within CALD communities across South East QLD. We established the SEQ CALD DFV Taskforce to conduct a situational review, analyse research findings, interview community leaders and active community members as well as hold consultations with multicultural associations, organisations, government departments and CALD community groups. This work allowed us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the additional barriers experienced by CALD communities accessing DFV support services.

Through 99 Steps, CALD women and children will be supported through culturally tailored DFV counselling, legal assistance provided by a new DFV legal centre and warm referral pathways from cross-sector collaboration. Access is excited to continue working closely with CALD communities and sector stakeholders to address barriers and improve wraparound support services to prevent DFV and support CALD women on their journey to recovery.

To assist in delivering the program, Access has partnered with InTouch, the Multicultural Centre against Family Violence, a Victorian organisation with a strong history in delivering services, programs and responses to DFV in CALD communities.