ROSEMARY Nicol's work to guide people involved in domestic violence orders has been recognised by Queenslands top cop.
She was bestowed a community service award by Police Commissioner Ian Stewart yesterday, who described Ms Nicol as South Brisbane Domestic and Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons units most valuable asset.
(Her) role is unique in the Brisbane region and results in a significant number of previously unsupported, aggrieved women being connected to support services, he said.
Ms Nicol helps about 120 people every month understand how DVO applications work, guiding both the aggrieved and respondent through the judicial process and referring them to support services where needed.
She said the names and contact details were passed onto her by the unit. People who she judged as most vulnerable were passed back to police for a visit, she said.
The Birkdale woman provides the service for free, volunteering more than 10 hours every week to help.
She supports peoples understanding of the documents legal jargon, their rights and responsibilities.
I explain the conditions of orders to respondents, she said. Often they will say, oh, Im not allowed to see the kids. But they can (apply to) formalise contact with their children by going through the family court.
Ms Nicol said her volunteer liaison role began three years ago when she joined Volunteers in Policing. Her 25 years of previous experience in domestic violence support services was quickly recognised and her skills put to use by Queensland Police.
Ms Nicol said she was only too happy to help but honoured by the award.
I am stoked to say the least and it is something I didnt expect, she said.
Ms Nicol said she became involved in domestic violence support services after her own experiences with it.
May is Domestic Violence Prevention month.
