Whole-of-government strategy to reduce domestic violence

Queensland Government departments have pledged to join forces and tackle the problem of domestic and family violence head-on.

The Department of Communities, with support from the Queensland Police Service and other government departments, has committed to developing a whole-of-government strategy on domestic and family violence.

This approach was outlined in the findings of the Crime and Misconduct Commission’s Policing Domestic Violence report.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the aims of the strategy were to improve safety for the victims of domestic and family violence, to hold perpetrators more accountable for their actions and, ultimately, to reduce the incidence of violence.

“The Queensland Police Service has always played an important role in responding to incidents of domestic and family violence,” Mr Pitt said.

“However, a reduction in the incidence of this kind of violence cannot be achieved by police action alone. That’s why all Queensland Government departments and agencies have agreed to join forces and take collaborative action to combat domestic and family violence.

“This move towards a more coordinated approach to tackle the problem illustrates how seriously the government regards this issue,” he said.

Police Minister Judy Spence said the decision to develop an innovative and responsive whole-of-government strategy took the recommendations of the Crime and Misconduct Commission’s report to the next level.

“Up until now, we have addressed this problem at different levels through the police and a number of other government departments. However, we are now planning to close any gaps in our policies and programs by conducting a safety and accountability audit,” she said.

“Following development of the strategy, we will review the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 1989 to bring it into line with any new policies and to ensure its effectiveness in protecting the victims of domestic and family violence.”

The whole-of-government agreement to develop a coordinated strategy coincides with Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, which encourages all Queenslanders to see the signs and be part of the solution. The awareness campaign continues until 31 May 2007.

Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 0417 789 208; Minister Spence’s Office 0439 673 287