Gold Coast refuge owner Simone Patterson calls for tougher penalties as domestic violence crisis worsens

A Gold Coast refuge owner says she is turning away a staggering number of women every day - sparking desperate calls for tougher sentences for offenders.

A desperate Gold Coast refuge owner says she is turning away 15-20 women every day and predicts the domestic violence crisis will spiral further unless courts get tough on thugs.

However, other industry leaders fear it could have unintended consequences for victims.

Simone Patterson. Picture: Richard Gosling

The Sanctuary’s Simone Patterson says she is forced to select the “worst of the worst” cases because resources are so stretched across the city.

“It’s not that police aren’t doing their jobs. It’s that courts aren’t giving tough enough sentencing and letting people off,” she said.

“That’s what’s wrong with domestic violence, they walk away scot-free from court.

“So many women are turned away in deathly situations from services because it is at an epidemic-level where there aren’t enough resources to help.

A vigil for domestic violence victims in Burleigh. Picture: Jeff Butterworth

A vigil for domestic violence victims in Burleigh. Picture: Jeff Butterworth

“I turn away 15 to 20 women a day. There’s no postcode domestic violence doesn’t touch. It’s just horrendous.”

The haven is one of the only refuges to offer sanctuary to boys aged over 12 years, as well as dogs, cats, birds and other pets.

Almost 2000 domestic violence protection orders (DVO) have been lodged in Southport Magistrate’s Court in the past 12 months.

In the same period, there were 1512 contravene DVO charges (breaching DVOs, police protection notices and release conditions) in Southport courthouse.

More than 450 offences were flagged as having occurred in a domestic violence situation.

The state government last month announced a $363m reform package that included expansion of DV courts and new laws to punish coercive control.

Queensland’s Attorney-General and DV Prevention Minister Shannon Fentiman said: “We are absolutely committed to strengthening our justice system to keep women safe and hold perpetrators to account.

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“The issue of mandatory sentencing has been extensively examined and the Australian Law Reform Commission has found that evidence suggests mandatory sentencing is not effective as a crime deterrent.

“Enforcing mandatory sentencing has also been found to have unintended consequences for women, First Nations people and vulnerable community members.”

Red Rose Foundation Australia CEO and founder Betty Taylor said she would not support mandatory sentencing.

“Queensland does not have policies and practice on predominant aggressor,” she said.

“The unintended consequence could see victims themselves locked up.

“The criminal justice system needs urgent reform including looking at things like watch house bail in case of serious violence, enhanced protection for victims and other reforms first.”

Late last month a Gold Coast man accused of raping his partner and threatening to “put a bullet” in her head had his conviction overturned after a judge gave incorrect evidence to a jury.

Originally published as Gold Coast refuge owner Simone Patterson calls for tougher penalties as domestic violence crisis worsens