Three charged daily with non-lethal strangulation under domestic violence law

AT A rate of almost three instances a day, more Queenslanders are carrying out an act of domestic violence seen as “one of the top five indicators leading to domestic homicide”. And the trend is rising.

QUEENSLANDERS are increasingly being charged with choking their partners, which campaigners warn is a precursor to murder.

Latest figures show police laid 514 charges of non-lethal strangulation – or almost three a day – in the six months to October after it became an offence.

DV Connect chief executive Di Mangan said women were frequently being choked in “close quarter” attacks that could have lethal consequences.

“It’s one of the top five indicators that can lead to domestic homicide,” Ms Mangan said.

Ms Mangan praised police for embracing the offence, which has a maximum penalty of seven years jail.

“We thought that once the law was passed it might not get used if we don’t make sure police and other first responders get some training,” Ms Mangan said.

“To find out Queensland police are already on the job and they’ve charged this high number, we were so encouraged by that.”

Previous reports said two people a day were being charged with the new offence, but the latest figures show the rate is on the rise.

Police Deputy Commissioner Brett Pointing said the service was “highly supportive” of the new charge.

“Police have found it very useful. Certainly it allows us to put perpetrators before the courts and better aid the protection of victims,” he said.

Officers would receive additional training when US experts on non-lethal strangulation visited Brisbane next year, he said.

Shannon Fentiman, the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, said the figures showed “our legislation is having an impact”.

TO REPORT ABUSE OR SEEK ADVICE CONTACT 1800 RESPECT or DV CONNECT on 1800 811 811