WOMEN'S HEALTH Life Free from Violence To live a life free from violence is a recognised basic human right. It is a fundamental societal value. Historically, victims are not believed and are rarely understood. They are still questioned as to why they remain in the relationship. Victims feel anxious about separation due to lack of financial independence or fear for children. Threatening to leave a violent relationship often provokes an escalation in violence. Separation and pregnancy are two key catalysts for DV where it may not have previously existed. Victims suffer shame and isolation. The terror of perpetrator retribution prevents many victims from reporting DV or from pressing charges when police are called out. Victims report frustration with the available options and support, largely because the criminality of DV has for so long been overlooked. This has resulted in an ineffective system. Perpetrators have the physical, psychological or financial control within the relationship. This control, coupled with the ineffectiveness of the system, has facilitated a pattern of reoffending by DV perpetrators. A New Hope: “Not Now, Not Ever” Ms Quentin Bryce’s report on Queensland’s domestic violence crisis, ‘Not Now, Not Ever,’ was presented to the Queensland Premier in February 2015. It revealed the extent to which DV has permeated Queensland and the difficulties faced by victims. It highlighted gaps in management and support services. The 140 recommendations made to the Queensland Government were designed to improve and restore confidence in the management of DV. This implies that for every reported DV-related homicide, Queensland police responded to about 3,000 DV related calls. This does not count all of the unreported incidents. The problem is escalating. In 2015, there were 85,689 reports of domestic related incidents recorded. 24,842 were breaches of Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs). While psychological control and physical violence are well understood, there are new reports indicating that technology like mobile phones, Facebook and GPS tracking apps, are being used to harass victims or to upload ‘revenge’ pornographic or offensive images. This recent form of DV has created a new concern for victims, police and prosecutors. ‘Revenge’ images published in social media are a burgeoning area for civil claims (suing) for defamation. Queensland Government Response to ‘Not Now, Not Ever’. In an unprecedented and heartening response, Queensland’s government displayed its commitment to eliminate DV by accepting or supporting all 140 recommendations. The government response stated that DV is not simply an issue between victims and perpetrators. It is not only up to police and the courts to manage. They emphasised that DV is everyone’s business. They encourage the community to adopt a complete intolerance for DV. The government introduced new protocols for police responses and court management. These initiatives are designed to restore effectiveness and confidence in the system. DV perpetrators are more likely now to be held accountable for their criminal behaviour through prosecution. Gold Coast Police: Change in attitudes and procedures In recognition of the criminal nature of DV, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) formed the Gold Coast District Domestic and Family Violence Task Force, based in Southport. The Task Force Team assists police in preparing the prosecution’s case for court. An overarching goal is to reform the policies regarding police response to DV call outs. When police are called, there are often other criminal charges that may and will be laid, include threatening behavior or willful damage of property. Other charges can include disturbance of the peace, or charges related to concern for the safety of victims and children. Breaches of DVOs are now criminal rather than civil wrongs. The Gold Coast’s 870 police officers are being targeted with DV education. Each QPS station will have a DV liaison officer within their team. The taskforce team reviews each case of reported DV at Domestic Violence Integrated Response meetings held three times per week. Other stakeholders at those meetings include representatives from the Gold Coast DV Prevention Centre, Child Services, probation and parole officers and various housing, counseling and social services. Strategic plans are created for each victim priortising their safety. THE REPORT IDENTIFIED 2013/14 STATISTICS: • Approximately 22 DV related homicides in Queensland every year • 66,016 reports of DV to police – 180 reports every day • Cost of DV to Queensland’s economy is $2.7billion to $3.2 billion per year 50 Pindara Magazine 2016
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
To see the actual publication please follow the link above