#DVPreventionMonth: Meet Senior Psych, Mel, working with victims to get their lives back on track

QCS officers play a critical role in the prevention of domestic and family violence (DFV) and Mel, a Senior Psychologist from Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre (BWCC) is no exception.

Mel puts her heart and soul into helping women in custody, many of whom are victims of DFV, to work through the trauma they have experienced and help get their lives back on track.

Mel’s job entails 360 degrees of holistic support, from one-on-one counselling, group therapy sessions, program development and delivery, and working closely with her team to address the specific needs of women who have been impacted by DFV.

She has also forged strong relationships with key stakeholders in the community such as Women and Co in Logan, to ensure women on remand can link in with support while in custody if they choose to.

“Women who identify as victims of domestic and family violence are offered a referral to a specialised DFV counselling service and we’ve had some great success stories from many who have accessed these services.”

“I strongly believe that education is key and providing well-rounded support to these women is an extremely important component of our rehabilitation program at BWCC.”

“As we know, to change a woman’s life is to change a generation, which means that what we do now will have a flow on effect for the families and children of these women prisoners in the future.”

Mel is also an active volunteer for Share the Dignity – a non-profit organisation who provide sanitary and personal care items to women and girls in need throughout Australia. Mel and the team at BWCC participate in regular fundraising drives throughout the year to further support the cause.

Thank you to Mel and all of our officers who work with the most challenging people in society every day to put an end to DFV.