Join the DVCS team! Applications for Manager and Training Coordinator positions are now open, closing 27 July. Apply on our website dvcs.org.au

We are hiring a Crisis Intervention Team Leader to join our team for 12-months (parental leave replacement position). If you are interested, applications close on Tuesday 12th, so check out the position description on our website or give the business line a call on 6280 6999.

The organisers of The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever have generously chosen to raise funds for DVCS again this July! Donations to DVCS are not necessary for attendance but are very much appreciated! They can be made here: givenow.com.au/cr/canberrawu…

On Thursday, after DVCS became aware of the provision of the character reference, actions were taken in accordance with our values and policies. Amanda Benn is no longer a member of the DVCS Board.

DVCS continues to advocate that good character references should not be considered as a mitigating factor in sentencing offenders of domestic, family and sexual violence offences, as they can hinder the pursuit of justice for victims and diminish the gravity of offences committed

DVCS is a client-led service and a strong advocate for victim-survivors. Perpetrators are solely responsible for their choice to use violence, and we work to hold perpetrators to account for those choices.

We are aware that recent media reporting about the provision of a "good character" reference by former Deputy Chair Amanda Benn for a person convicted of family and sexual violence offences is behind a paywall for some readers, so here is our response contained in the article:

We have been contacted by a number of concerned community members, and we are grateful for that. In order to end domestic, family and sexual violence in our community we must all take an active role in responding to attitudes and behaviours which seek to normalise or condone it

We’re encouraging victims of crime to apply for financial compensation before the end of the month. The current criteria will still apply for any applications filed before 1 July, even if it hasn't been assessed yet.

Join us next Wednesday 7 May on National Domestic and Family Violence Remembrance Day to honour lives lost to domestic and family violence. This is an open and free community event. 6-7pm in the Reception Room at the ACT Legislative Assembly

The ACT Government is asking victims of crime, those close to them and agencies who work with victims of crime to share their experiences by completing this YourSay ACT survey or providing feedback Take the survey here yoursayconversations.act.gov… Closes: 20 June 2025.