Cairns among regional hot spots as QPS invests in specialist response units

After almost 1000 breaches were recorded in the first four months of 2025 in Cairns, police say the issue requires a whole-of-community response.

Almost 1000 domestic violence breaches were recorded in the first four months of 2025 in Cairns. Police say the issue requires a whole-of-community response.

Domestic violence breaches in Cairns are on track to surpass last year’s figures after nearly 1000 incidents were recorded in the first four months of 2025.

Queensland Police confirmed 2848 breaches of domestic violence orders were recorded in the Cairns Police Division in 2024.

Between January 1 and March 31 this year, 727 breaches were reported – a number which climbed to 987 by April 30, highlighting a concerning upward trend.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said domestic and family violence was one of the most persistent and confronting problems in Queensland, requiring a whole-of-community response.

A Queensland Police spokeswoman says domestic and family violence is one of the most persistent and confronting problems in Queensland. Picture: NewsWire / Glen Campbell

“Domestic and family violence remains one of the most complex and confronting challenges faced by the QPS and the broader Queensland community,” she said.

“As a deeply entrenched, multi-generational issue, addressing DFV requires a sustained and co-ordinated effort across government, specialist service providers, and the community.”

She said the QPS remained committed to breaking the cycle of abuse and building safer communities.

This includes investing in specialist DFV units, improving frontline responses and working closely with other agencies.

In the Cairns police division, officers are working alongside support services through a co-responder model, which places dedicated DFV and Vulnerable Persons Unit officers across the district.

Of almost 20,000 DVO applications lodged in 2025, 84.4 per cent were submitted by police, while just under 15 per cent came from private individuals.

“This approach ensures timely, face-to-face support for those in need, with a strong focus on care and connection,” the spokeswoman said.

“It’s about meeting people where they are, recognising the challenges of distance in the Far North and making sure no one misses out on support simply because of where they live.”

More than 56,000 DVO breaches were recorded throughout the state between July 1, 2024 and April 14, 2025.

Police continue to lead the response to DFV, according to Queensland Courts data.

Of almost 20,000 DVO applications lodged this financial year, 84.4 per cent were submitted by police, while just under 15 per cent came from private individuals.

Only 0.8 per cent (155 applications) were initiated by the courts themselves.

This reflects the critical frontline role police play in DFV prevention and intervention though, as a QPS spokesman said, it’s not a responsibility they can carry alone.

“It requires a whole-of-government response and a whole-of-community effort,” she said.

The majority of recorded DVOs in Queensland continue to involve women seeking protection from men. Picture: Queensland Police

“Ending domestic and family violence is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can create a safer future for Queensland families.”

The majority of recorded DVOs in Queensland continue to involve women seeking protection from men.

Nearly three in four DVOs (74.7 per cent) were made by women against male respondents.

Men seeking protection from women accounted for 10 per cent, while same-sex DVOs made up about 15 per cent of all applications combined.

The number of flagged DFV-related offences in Queensland Magistrates Courts has also nearly doubled in the past five years — rising from 6565 in 2019–20 to 12,968 by March 2025, a 97.5 per cent increase.

“The QPS treats all reports of domestic and family violence seriously,” the spokeswoman said.

“You don’t need to be directly involved to report concerning behaviour. DFV is a community issue, and everyone has a role to play in prevention.”

Originally published as Cairns among regional hot spots as QPS invests in specialist response units