DR Heather Lovatt is a Mackay-based domestic violence researcher striving to make a difference without always "sticking to a set script".

The new director of CQU's Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research said she aims to push forward the legacy of the institute with a renewed focus on tackling domestic violence within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and sexual assault.

"I do take the position very seriously in taking the legacy of the centre forward and really looking at innovative ways to making a difference, not just sticking to a set script either," she said.

"[We'll do this] through research but also practical resources, forums, events and not just doing it because we say so but working with the community in order to inform how we go forward.

"And continue that strong legacy of community engagement."

Dr Lovatt will replace Professor Annabel Taylor, who will remain at CQU as a research professor of gendered violence, a new position that will consolidate the university's initiatives in the field.

Before being promoted Dr Lovatt was most recently a senior research with the QCDFVR, and prior to that acted as Interim Director in 2014 while completing her doctorate.

She moved to Mackay in 1977 from New Zealand and subsequently raised three children with her husband.

Dr Lovatt began working in the community sector, doing work in group homes and resource centres before moving into the public service.

Her first pieces of work as the new director will include the continued evaluation of Townsville's 24/7 Sexual Response Team initiative and whether it can be replicated elsewhere, and preparation for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in May.

"Domestic violence is not something you can put the lid on any more and pretend its not happening," she said.

"We've taken the lid off and it's how you deal with what's emerging that will make the difference for the next generation. "It's such, what is normally referred to as, a wicked problem.

Dr Lovatt said a lot still needs to be done to address domestic violence, and a low unemployment rate in Mackay does not mean the rate of domestic violence will be low too.

"The statistics show that when there are added pressures domestic violence does rise, but in the same token, the sad thing is the statistics and the different community surveys show that in Mackay as elsewhere the prevalence of DV is still horrendously high especially in the some more vulnerable groups and populations," she said.

"And there's still so much to be done because it stems back to aspects in prevention which are about respect and equality so people then don't use violence as a method of power and control.

"So the statistics seem to be remaining in regional centres as well as nationally, still high, then you hear people say that is the tip of the iceberg, those are just the reported cases," Dr Lovatt said.

"The trend remains, with lower unemployment some of the contributing factors might be a little alleviated but I haven't seen statistics that have given that evidence yet."

Dr Lovatt said it is also important to remember that while women are also capable of violence within the domestic setting, men remain vastly overrepresented as the perpetrators.

The Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence is funded by the Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women and supported by CQU.