THE Queensland Government has taken a major step in tackling domestic, family and sexual violence by forming a working group of survivors to identify critical gaps in the system.
This initiative, part of the Government’s 100 Day Plan, will help shape future policies and investments to better protect victims – particularly in high-risk areas like Ipswich.
Ipswich remains one of Queensland’s hotspots for domestic violence cases.
While the number of domestic violence applications at Ipswich Magistrates Court has declined, dropping from 1536 in 2023 to 475 last year, the region’s court still ranks fourth in the state for applications.
Police lodge the majority of these applications (84.6 per cent), with most cases involving intimate partners (72 per cent).
As part of its Safer Families, Safer Communities policy, the Government is rolling out 500 GPS trackers for high-risk domestic violence offenders.
The package includes a $24 million investment into Domestic and Family Violence support workers at police stations across Queensland.
These workers will provide on-the-ground support to victims, helping them navigate the legal system and access essential services.
To combat DFV in Ipswich, Operation Shield was launched last year, targeting the region’s most high-risk and high-harm offenders.
Using local intelligence, police arrested and charged 14 high-risk perpetrators in the operation’s first month for serious offences including stalking, assault and breaching protection orders.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm emphasised the importance of amplifying the voices of survivors to drive meaningful change.
An interim report on DVConnect – Queensland’s state-wide crisis support service – will be delivered in March, with a final report expected in June, further shaping future reforms.
With Ipswich at the forefront of Queensland’s domestic violence crisis, these measures aim to provide stronger protections and more support for victims.
