This article presents the results of a study that examined victims' experiences with a police-led integrated response to domestic violence in Southeast Queensland, Australia.
Findings from this study on victims' experiences with a police-led integrated response to domestic violence in Southeast Queensland, Australia, indicate that the women saw an improvement in the safety and wellbeing of themselves and their children both throughout and beyond their involvement with the integrated response. In addition, a number of the women found that the initial safety measures put in place during the crises support period were not sustainable in the long term without ongoing support. This study, conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology, examined domestic violence victims' short and long-term experiences regarding their feelings of safety and well-being both during and after their involvement with a police-led integrated response to domestic violence. Data for the study were obtained from pre and post-support surveys of 78 women who were classified as high risk due to the severity of the domestic violence and thus received intensive support from the program. Information collected in the survey covered the following items: women's physical safety, children's physical safety, women's emotional wellbeing, children's emotional wellbeing, housing stability, financial stability, access to social support, and sense of identity. The findings from the survey indicate the need for programs that address both the short and long-term needs of victims of domestic violence and their dependent children. Implications for policy are discussed. Table and references