Shocking figures on domestic violence have been revealed as Police step up their campaign for stronger laws.
The Queensland Police Union (QPU) has released figures showing there were 15,665 incidents of domestic violence reported on the Gold Coast in 2024.
There were also a staggering 6427 breaches of domestic violence orders on the Gold Coast across the year.
That’s an increase of 8.7 per cent on the previous year.
The QPU is pushing for tougher domestic violence laws, including making DV a standalone crime.
It also wants high-risk offenders to be tracked and banned from nightclubs and dating apps.
Queensland Police Union President Shane Prior says we need bold and significant change to address the growing problem.
“The current reality really is dire in this state. Police in this state every day are being called to 526 domestic and family violence incidences. That’s one every three minutes on those numbers alone,” Mr Prior said.
“With current approaches with the police protection notices, we are failing to adequately protect victims and change perpetrator behaviour. We are on track for a record in the state. We’re going to reach 210,000 occurrences that our police on the front line are going to for domestic and family violence.”
The union warns the time spent dealing with surging domestic violence cases is leading to an exodus of officers from the QPS.
It also wants a streamlined process for dealing with DV cases including the introduction of Police protection directions to help protect victims immediately.
“If Police see that domestic violence has occurred and they’ve identified the person most need of care, they should take action immediately and issue an order on the spot to protect that victim, not send them to court with a temporary protection order and an application for a protection order in court.
“Police are very well skilled in this area and they should be given the tools needed to protect victims straight away.”
A QPU petition to strengthen DV laws closes on Friday.
Queenslanders can sign the petition at http://makedvacrime.com.au
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