Domestic and family violence rates increasing as groups say much to be done
By Sonia Isaacs
BEERWAH Police are receiving over 100 domestic violence-related phone calls a month, in what the station’s Domestic and Family Violence Liaison Officer (DVLO) describes as an “exponential increase” over the past two years.
Queensland Police Service has recently released data revealing in 2023 police received a staggering number of DFV reports and occurrences, with over 171,000 incidents reported statewide.
Speaking with GC&M News, Beerwah Police DVLO, Senior Constable Kristy Welsh, confirmed there had been “an exponential increase” in DV related calls for service over the past couple of years.
She said one troubling trend had also been the increase in DV breaches in relation to Protection Order conditions, such as when perpetrators are not to contact or approach victims.
“Officers within the Beerwah Division would respond to and investigate in excess of 100 DV related occurrences a month,” Snr Const Welsh said.
Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced $925 million will be allocated from the budget to support women to leave violence. Speaking at a press conference on May 1, the Prime Minister acknowledged that DFV was both a national crisis and a national challenge.
“We recognise that governments need to act, but we also recognise that this is an issue for the whole of society, not just for governments,” the Prime Minister said.
Last week, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath, officially launched Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
The Justice Minister said challenging harmful norms and taking action contributed to safer homes and safer communities.
“Together, we can make a difference. We will continue to coordinate with frontline services, community organisations, health professionals and the legal sector – and listen to the powerful voices of victims,” Ms D’Ath said.
Speak Up Now, Stop Domestic and Family Violence Maleny and Blackall Range group spokesperson, Val France, said while she was pleased that community awareness was being raised, particularly during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, so much more needed to be done.
“It is important we continue to raise awareness of DFV and the effects of this violence on entire families. We need to eliminate this scourge of society,” she said.
“Events that raise awareness like our Candlelight Vigil in Maleny on May 16 (see right) is a way to remember all those who have lost their lives to DFV murder.”
Snr Const Welsh said it was important that the community realised that DFV was everybody’s responsibility and that DFV did not discriminate and impacted people from all walks of life.
“DFV is the most prominent call for service here at Beerwah Police Station. It is what we spend the majority of our time responding to and investigating,” she said.
Snr. Cons Welsh said part of her role as the station’s DVLO involved educating staff on policing response to domestic violence calls for service within the Beerwah Division.
“Essentially I ensure that we as police are responding to and investigating matters of domestic and family violence holistically, and in a way that capitalises on the resources available to us in order to prevent, disrupt, respond and investigate domestic violence,” she said.
DV support services such as DV Connect (1800 811 811) can provide invaluable advice, assist with safety planning, counselling and support, emergency accommodation and transport. And of course in emergencies phone ‘000’.