Queenslanders asked to join together to call out domestic and family violence

• The Miles Government and Domestic and Family Violence sector urge the community to stand together and call out violence against women and children during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 2024 this May.
• The event calls on all Queenslanders to recognise the patterns of violence and control, change attitudes in their communities, and learn how they can direct victims to support.

It’s in our control to end coercive control is the message Queensland will loudly promote this May, calling on the community to add their voice and take action in support of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month 2024.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Yvette D’Ath, will launch the month-long event at Parliament House tonight alongside Premier Steven Miles, and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman.

Supported by the Queensland Government and various community organisations, the month-long campaign aims to raise awareness, provide support, and foster collaboration against domestic and family violence – with a focus on coercive control behaviours.

Earlier this year Queensland passed legislation to acknowledge additional domestic, family, and sexual violence behaviours, recognising coercive control in its criminal justice system.

Once the law commences, the offence will carry a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment and criminalises the conduct of adults who engage in repeated harmful behaviour to maintain control over a person they are in a domestic relationship with.

Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviours over time, which can be physical and/or non-physical, that hurt, humiliate, isolate, frighten or threaten another person in order to control or dominate them. Coercive control cannot be tolerated in Queensland communities.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that intimate partner violence contributes to more illness, disability and death in women aged 25 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor in the nation.

Throughout May, Queenslanders are encouraged to stand together to participate in events focused on preventing DFV in their communities. Supporting and empowering individuals and communities to recognise the signs of abuse, learn how to access support services, and challenge harmful attitudes and behaviours.

Since the landmark Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce was established, Queensland has invested $588 million to implement a majority of recommendations to address violence largely against women and children and enhance their experiences within the justice system.

This includes modernising criminal stalking laws, expanding specialist High Risk Teams, increasing funding for men’s behavioural change programs, and significant upgrades and expansion of Queensland’s specialist DFV courts.

Since 2015, total investment in domestic, family and sexual violence reforms is $1.75 billion.

Education and awareness also play a strong focus in DFV reform, with the Respectful Relationships program promoting healthy attitudes and resources in Queensland schools.

The Queensland Government recently released its Plan for the Primary Prevention of Violence Against Women 2024-2028 – a five year strategy to address the drivers of violence and prevent domestic, family and sexual violence from occurring.

For more information about Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month events and to get involved, visit https://www.justice.qld.gov.au/swe/dfvpm/events

Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D’Ath:

“Let me be clear – according to Counting Dead Women Australia, 28 women have already been killed to gender-based violence this year, which only highlights the seriousness of this issue.

“Queensland has made significant progress in the justice system to better prevent and respond to domestic and family violence, including new laws that recognise the dangerous behaviours of coercive control.

“Yet we know this is a complex problem, and we will continue to modernise and strengthen our laws and enhance prevention and DFV services – making sure they have consistent training processes, resources and funding.

“We continue to implement mechanisms for meaningful generational change – but recognise the need to change attitudes that minimise this behaviour in our communities and our society to see a lasting transformation.

“That is what Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is about, from awareness and education to advocating for survivors and promoting healthy relationships.

“I call on every Queenslander to participate in a Prevention Month event near them – and to educate themselves about how to recognise coercive behaviours in those around them, and what to do when they see it.

“In particular we need men in our communities to join these efforts against gendered violence – this can’t be solved without the full support of the Queensland community.

“Challenging harmful norms and taking action contributes to safer homes, safer communities, and importantly – safer lives for Queenslanders.

“We will continue to coordinate with frontline services, community organisations, health professionals and the legal sector – and listen to the powerful voices of victims, to ensure this Government is doing everything it can for those in need.

“Together, we can make a difference.”

ENDS