Introduction: Queensland’s Next Step in Addressing Sexual Violence
Queensland has recently taken a landmark step in its response to sexual violence, announcing the establishment of a Sexual Violence Peak Body, with operations expected to begin in early 2026.
This move, along with the fast-tracking of a similar Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Peak Body, has significant implications for the legal, policy, and support landscapes for survivors. This action is promising, however the true value of these bodies will only be known once they are in operation.
Overview of Sexual Violence Peak Body Announcement
The Queensland Sexual Assault Network (QSAN) will receive funding to establish the state’s sexual violence sector peak body.
The initiative is a key recommendation from the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, which has called for stronger institutional frameworks to support victim-survivors.
The government also committed funding ($1.62 million) for the First Nations Primary Prevention Group and the Remote Indigenous Women’s Shelter Network to ensure that sexual violence and DFV work has a strong, culturally informed and First Nations-led component.
Alongside the sexual violence peak body, the Domestic and Family Violence Peak Body is being fast-tracked, to give that sector representation earlier than originally planned.
Connection Between Sexual Violence & Domestic Violence
There’s a critical overlap between sexual violence and domestic violence. Understanding that relationship is essential in assessing why this Peak Body matters and also in clarifying what challenges lie ahead.
Overlapping Nature of Abuse
Data shows that a substantial portion of sexual assaults occur within domestic and family violence contexts. In Queensland in 2024, for example, 42% of all sexual assaults were reported to have occurred in a
domestic or family violence setting.Many of the same legal issues and barriers such as re-traumatisation in court, access to support services, consent laws arise in both sexual violence and domestic violence cases. The legal reforms passed recently in Queensland, such as affirmative consent laws and criminalising coercive control, address both domains.
Systemic Challenges in Addressing Sexual and Domestic Violence
Survivors of domestic violence often face sexual violence as part of a broader pattern of abuse (physical, psychological, sexual, economic). A peak body specialising in sexual violence can help ensure that the sexual abuse aspects are not side-lined when policy and resources are primarily focused on other aspects of domestic violence.
Conversely, domestic violence frameworks have sometimes lacked the specialist expertise or resources to adequately deal with the specific needs of sexual violence within domestic settings such as medical forensic examination, specialist counselling, trauma informed legal processes. A dedicated peak body could help fill that gap.
Legal & Policy Implications
The new peak bodies may make amendments to the relevant legislations, better coordination of specialist sexual violence support services, especially in rural/regional and First Nations communities, elevated the voices of survivors in policy discussions and improvement effectiveness of programs.
By focusing also on prevention, education and changing social norms, we can hope for the incidence of sexual violence (and its intersection with domestic violence) to decline over time.
Legal Outlook: Strengthening Protections for Survivors
From a legal practitioner’s perspective, these developments represents a significant milestone. It acknowledges that sexual violence is not a fringe issue separate from domestic violence but deeply intertwined. If done well with sufficient funding, community engagement, cultural competence, and strong coordination with existing domestic violence frameworks, the new peak body has the potential to strengthen protections for survivors, improve legal responses, and move the needle on prevention.
Support Services
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, support is available:
Emergency: Call 000 (triple zero) if you are in immediate danger.
1800RESPECT – 24/7 National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service
Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.auDV Connect (Queensland) – 24-hour crisis support for women
Call 1800 811 811 | www.dvconnect.orgMensline Australia – Support for men
Call 1300 78 99 78 | www.mensline.org.au
Author: Nichale Bool
Nichale holds a Bachelor of Laws, is a Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer and co-founder of Elysian Law, with over a 15 years’ experience across The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Queensland Police Service and reputable criminal defence firms. Nichale specialises in domestic and family violence matters, running and defending applications across the Queensland.
Nichale believes in fair outcomes, providing advice to clients which empowers them during the court process to ensure they understand their rights and offering Fixed Fees payments to give clients certainty.
For more information the types of domestic violence mentioned in this article, see our additional resources:
At Elysian Law, we understand the serious impact these matters can have on your personal and professional life. Our team is here to support you with expert legal representation tailored to your circumstances.
