THE Government has announced a special taskforce that aims to change the community’s view on domestic violence and make Queensland safer for women and families.
The taskforce will be chaired by the former Governor-General Quentin Bryce, who will lead a state-wide consultation with the community on what the government has labelled an “insidious and hidden form of violence”.
The bi-partisan taskforce will include members of parliament and community representatives and will undertake extensive consultations with families, individuals, government, and non-government organisations.
Ms Bryce said she was honoured to take a leading role in reviewing such a prominent community safety issue.
“All Queenslanders need to help tackle this problem. We all have a responsibility to look after one another because domestic and family violence is everybody’s business,” she said.
“Domestic and family violence mostly occurs in the privacy of people’s homes, but it has a profound public impact socially and economically, especially on vulnerable women and children.”
The taskforce will report to the Premier by the end of February 2015 with recommendations to inform the development of a domestic and family violence strategy.
Breakout Box
Domestic and Family Violence Facts
– In 2013, there were 64,246 reported incidents of domestic violence in QLD, up almost 11 per cent from 2012.
– There were 12,828 breaches of domestic violence orders in 2013, up almost 17 per cent from 2012.
– Last year, 18 of the 49 homicides in Queensland were related to domestic violence.
– More than $42 million will be spent this financial year on various support and homelessness services for people experiencing domestic violence.
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