New strategy to target violent offenders as advocates rally for change

Perpetrators of domestic and family violence will be targeted in an intervention strategy announced by the Queensland government as rallies against gendered violence kick off around the country.

Broadening the Focus outlines the government’s priority areas, including strengthening interventions for people using, or at risk of using, violence, as well as increasing community understanding and support.

Premier Steven Miles at the Brisbane rally in King George Square to end gendered violence in April.Credit: Darren England

Premier Steven Miles said the strategy was an Australian first and would show Queensland’s commitment to preventative solutions.

“[This strategy] puts the focus on the people who commit the violence so that we can help break the cycle of abuse,” Miles said.

“As premier, I never want to see another Queensland woman die at the hand of their partner.

“We need the behaviour of our men to change, and this strategy will help address that.”

Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath, the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, used her opening address during Friday’s budget estimates hearing to introduce the strategy and reiterate the need to focus on perpetrators, as well as victims.

“We have put a lot of emphasis on supporting victim-survivors and helping them break free of the cycle of violence they find themselves in through no fault of their own,” D’Ath said.

“The person using violence, however, will often enter new relationships which can lead to new DFV victims being created.

“To change the behaviour of people using violence, we must understand what drives them to commit such horrific acts and make sure our interventions work.”

The attorney-general said the strategy would extend to young people and children at risk of using violence, particularly those who have been victims through childhood exposure.

The announcement comes as nationwide rallies calling for action to end gendered sexual, domestic and family violence begin.

Over three days in April, Indigenous, youth-led advocacy group What Were You Wearing rallied thousands around the country in response to the alleged murders of 33 women in domestic violence attacks in Australia since the beginning of the year.

That number has risen higher in the months since, with 54 women now said to have lost their lives at the hands of men, according to the group.

More than 100,000 people took to the streets during the April rallies, including about 3000 people in Brisbane. Miles and D’Ath were in attendance, as well as Opposition Leader David Crisafulli.

Brisbane What Were You Wearing organiser Indyana Sheaff said they are expecting 5000 to attend the rally in Brisbane on Sunday.

“We are marching again as more than 20 women have died since the April rallies, putting the death toll at 54 for 2024,” she said.

“More needs to be done to protect the women of Australia.

“We hope that all politicians serious about ending gender-based violence show their presence at our rallies.”