In recent years, Queensland has witnessed a concerning surge in domestic and family violence (DFV) incidents, prompting urgent calls for systemic reforms and enhanced support mechanisms.
Escalation in DFV Incidents
Data from the Queensland Courts indicates a significant rise in applications for domestic violence protection orders (DVOs) and related criminal charges statewide. This trend underscores the increasing prevalence of DFV across the region.
(courts.qld.gov.au, Queensland Courts’ domestic and family violence (DFV) statistics, 13 Feb 2025)
Alarmingly, domestic violence-related homicides have also seen a sharp increase. The latest report from the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council reveals that in the last financial year alone, 12 domestic violence manslaughter cases were recorded, accounting for over a third of all manslaughter cases and nearly double the previous year’s number. Domestic violence murders constituted almost 30% of all murder cases. (couriermail.com.au, Domestic violence Qld: Call for urgent action on shock new trend, 18 Feb 2025)
In Australia, intimate partner violence remains a critical issue, with significant impacts on both women and men. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 1 in 4 women (23% or 2.3 million) and 1 in 14 men (7.3% or 693,000) have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15. Additionally, 23% of women and 14% of men have faced emotional abuse by a current or previous partner, while 16% of women and 7.8% of men have encountered economic abuse in such relationships. (aihw.gov.au, Family, domestic and sexual violence, 14 Feb 2025)
These statistics underscore the pervasive nature of intimate partner violence across the nation. In Queensland, the situation is particularly alarming, with a notable increase in domestic and family violence incidents. The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council reported that in the last financial year, 12 domestic violence manslaughter cases were recorded, accounting for over a third of all manslaughter cases and nearly double the previous year’s number. Domestic violence murders constituted almost 30% of all murder cases. (aihw.gov.au, Family, domestic and sexual violence, 14 Feb 2025)
Addressing this escalating crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including legislative reforms, enhanced support services for victims, and community education to shift societal attitudes toward domestic violence. The Queensland Government’s initiatives to criminalize coercive control and implement GPS tracking for high-risk offenders are steps in the right direction. However, sustained efforts and collaboration across all sectors of society are essential to effect meaningful change and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
Government Initiatives and Reforms
In response to the escalating crisis, the Queensland Government has committed substantial resources to combat DFV. Since 2015–16, over $1.3 billion has been invested in implementing comprehensive domestic, family, and sexual violence reform agendas. (justice.qld.gov.au, Overview of the DFV reform program, 23 Sept 2024)
This financial commitment aims to strengthen frontline services, enhance risk assessment protocols, and develop perpetrator intervention programs.
Notably, the government steps to criminalize coercive control and introduce GPS tracking for high-risk offenders, aiming to provide better protection for victims and deter potential perpetrators. (couriermail.com.au, Domestic violence Qld: Call for urgent action on shock new trend, 18 Feb 2025)
Community Engagement and Support
Community-driven initiatives play a pivotal role in addressing DFV. The annual Epic Walk for DV, for instance, has raised over $800,000 since its inception in 2021. This event supports the Women’s Legal Service Queensland, providing free legal advice, court representation, and safety planning for women and children affected by domestic violence. (couriermail.com.au, Epic Walk for DV brings fundraiser to Airlie Beach to raise money for Women’s Legal Service Queensland, 15 Feb 2025)
Challenges and the Path Forward
The increasing demand on police resources is evident, with reports indicating that in the Logan District, over 100 DFV-related calls went unattended due to resource constraints. This situation emphasizes the necessity for bolstered support systems and adequately resourced response teams to address the growing crisis effectively. (couriermail.com.au, Cops unable to attend 100-plus DV jobs as mum allegedly set on fire, 10 Jan 2025)
Recent data from the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) highlights a concerning rise in intimate partner homicides (IPH) across Australia, with a significant impact on women. In the 2022–23 period, 16% of all homicide incidents were classified as IPH, and notably, 89% of these involved female victims aged 18 years or older. This represents a 28% increase in the female IPH rate, rising from 0.25 per 100,000 in 2021–22 to 0.32 per 100,000 in 2022–23. (aic.gov.au, Australia sees a rise in female intimate partner homicide in new research report, 30 April 2024)
This upward trend in female intimate partner homicides underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address domestic and family violence. The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032 aims to reduce female IPH by 25% annually over the next five years. Achieving this goal necessitates coordinated efforts from government agencies, community organizations, and the public to implement effective prevention and intervention measures. (dss.gov.au, , National Plan to End Gender Based Violence, 28 Nov 2024)
Addressing the rise in domestic and family violence in Queensland requires a multifaceted approach, including legislative reforms, enhanced support services for victims, and community education to change societal attitudes towards domestic violence. A sustained efforts and collaboration across all sectors of society are essential to effect meaningful change and ensure the safety of vulnerable individuals.
In conclusion, while significant strides have been made to combat domestic and family violence in Queensland, the rising incidence rates highlight the urgency for continued reforms, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
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Family Violence Intervention (December 2024): Experts emphasized the need for early intervention with teenage boys exposed to domestic violence, suggesting that addressing abusive behaviors during adolescence could help reduce family violence in Australia.
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Gendered Violence Data (2024): An analysis by the ABC reported that 69 women were killed in instances of gendered violence in Australia in 2024, with the majority of perpetrators being known to the victims. ABC
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Family Violence Order Reforms (February 2025): Leading family violence advocates called for nationally consistent rules and better resources for family violence orders. They emphasized the importance of involving children directly in designing policies to prevent child abuse.
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Family Court Criticisms (August 2024): A parliamentary inquiry highlighted concerns that Australia’s family court system may keep women unsafe and can be used against victims of domestic violence, calling for significant reforms.
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Danielle Birchell’s Conviction (February 2025): Danielle Lee Birchell was found guilty of murdering her father-in-law, Kon Kritikos, in November 2020. Despite her conviction, Birchell maintains her innocence. The sentencing is scheduled for April 4, 2025.
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Calls for Nationally Consistent Family Violence Orders (February 2025): Leading family violence advocates have urged for nationally consistent rules and better resources for family violence orders. They emphasize the importance of involving children directly in designing policies to prevent child abuse. ABC
Early Intervention for Teenage Boys (December 2024): Family violence services have highlighted the importance of early intervention for teenage boys exposed to domestic violence. Observations indicate that boys witnessing or experiencing violence at home may perpetuate similar behaviors. Programs are being developed to address these issues early, aiming to break the cycle of violence. ABC
2024 Marks a Grim Year for Violence Against Women in Australia (Published: December 17, 2024) Despite ongoing crisis talks and prevention efforts, 2024 has been a particularly tragic year for violence against women in Australia. The Guardian highlights the persistent challenges in addressing domestic and family violence. The Guardian
Family Court Criticized for Keeping Women Unsafe (Published: August 23, 2024) A parliamentary inquiry has criticized Australia’s family court system for being inaccessible and unsafe for victims of domestic violence. The system is reportedly being used against women, exacerbating their vulnerability. The Guardian
The System: How Domestic and Family Violence Survivors Are Being Failed by a Broken System (Published: November 2024) An investigative report highlights the systemic failures in supporting domestic and family violence survivors in Australia. The article discusses bureaucratic hurdles, inadequate resources, and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect victims effectively. News.com.au
Analysis Reveals 69 Women Killed in Gendered Violence in 2024 (Published: December 2024) An analysis by the ABC revealed that 69 women were killed in instances of gendered violence in Australia in 2024. All but 10 were killed by someone known to them. ABC
Australia’s First Coercive Control Laws Enacted to Combat Domestic Violence (Published: July 2024) New South Wales has introduced legislation criminalizing coercive control, a form of domestic abuse involving patterns of controlling and manipulative behavior. This move aims to address non-physical forms of abuse that often precede intimate partner homicides. JURIST News