New data shows most domestic and family violence abuse is non-physical

Shocking data from domestic violence high-risk teams shows most abuse, even from the most dangerous offenders, is non-physical, triggering action from the state’s attorney-general to encourage more victims to come forward.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said she will be “looking closely” at the recommendations from the inquiry into police responses to domestic violence when Judge Deborah Richards delivers her report in October.

It comes as the latest data from the multi-agency domestic violence high risk teams – who look after the most vulnerable victims – shows most abuse, even from the most dangerous offenders, is non-physical.

The Commission of Inquiry into Police Responses to Domestic and Family Violence recently reopened its call for submissions following an uncomfortable day of evidence from Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll.

Katarina Carroll gave evidence to the independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service Responses to Domestic and Family Violence. Picture: Liam Kidston

The inquiry is looking at whether a poor police culture is impacting how victims of domestic violence are treated.

Evidence raised at the inquiry last week led to the shock resignation of Deputy Commissioner Paul Taylor and another senior officer, Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder, going on leave while Ms Carroll seeks legal advice.

The inquiry was told both men had made sexist and inappropriate comments at leadership conferences.

Ms Fentiman said the inquiry, along with the work of the Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce, would serve to bring about change to keep women safe.

One important change would be the criminalisation of coercive control.

“Information from our DV High Risk Teams indicates that from 1 January to 30 June this year, about 60 per cent of the behaviours DFV perpetrators used or that victims experienced were non-physical,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Just because there might not be visible injuries or physical scars doesn’t mean it’s not domestic and family violence.

“It can take many forms – any behaviour that a perpetrator may use to exert power and control over a person through fear, intimidation, and manipulation.

“Non-physical abuse can be verbal, emotional, psychological, emotional, financial, threats, harassment, stalking or even social abuse such as isolation from family and friends or restricting use of a car, phone, or internet.

“We need to encourage women to come forward when they experience this dangerous control over their lives, even though they don’t experience actual physical violence.”

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman says reforms are need to help protect women from abuse. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

But Ms Fentiman said “system-wide” reforms were needed before coercive control laws were brought in.

“There’s currently a Commission of Inquiry into police responses to DFV underway and we’ll be looking closely at Her Honour Judge Deborah Richards’ recommendations when she hands down her report in October,” she said.

“We must also focus on prevention and intervention measures such as perpetrator programs, and it’s vital that we educate the community and frontline responders on how to recognise and respond to coercive control.”

Lloyd and Sue Clarke, founders of the Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation, said domestic abuse and control were issues that were too often ignored or not recognised.

“This is a problem that does not discriminate by postcode or social status,” Mrs Clarke said. “It’s a cancer on our entire society, and as a society we need to tackle together.”

High risk teams are currently located in Brisbane, Logan/Beenleigh, Ipswich, Caboolture, Mackay, Mount Isa and Cairns and an additional High Risk Team has been announced for Townsville.