Until 2002 DVRC operated as the State Wide Domestic Violence Service offering counselling, community education and the production of resources. In 2002 after funding was relinquished, DVRC explored and developed a new regional service using an advocacy/outreach model. Funding was granted in 2003 and the Brisbane Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (BDVAS) began operations.
The advocacy/outreach model is fairly unique in the Queensland domestic violence sector and is distinct from counseling based service provision. The advocacy model adopted at BDVAS seeks to provide intervention and support through intensive case management which is both adaptive and client directed. Advocacy often includes working in partnership with the client, ‘standing beside’ listening, communicating with the client and providing an outreach model to best accommodate the safety of the client. It’s not about creating dependence on the advocate, but creating independence through empowerment.
