Domestic violence in Qld: New data exposes devastating trend

Despite steps taken in the wake of a horror high-profile domestic violence murder, new figures show the situation is worsening.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm

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A devastating surge in domestic and family violence is gripping the state, with more than 500 calls for help being made each day.

Queensland police attended 199,372 domestic and family violence incidents during the 2024-25 financial year, equating to roughly 546 incidents across the state each day.

This year is on track to surpass 2024’s horror numbers, with the state having recorded more than half the total number of DV breaches last year in just five months.

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Between January 1 and May 31 this year, Queensland police had recorded 35,032 alleged breaches of DV orders — more than half last year’s total of 61,896 — putting the state on track to experience a 12 per cent rise annual rise, or more than 77,000 breaches.

The concerning figure would be more than double the 36,118 breaches recorded in 2020.

Cairns has consistently recorded the highest number of DV breaches in Queensland, topping the state almost every month of the past five years, with more than 11,800 breaches recorded in Cairns alone from January 2020 to June 2025.

The sad picture was reinforced by data from Women’s Legal Service Queensland, which answered more than 15,700 calls for help in the 2024-2025 financial year; a 10 per cent increase on previous period.

Meanwhile, calls to the service’s rural, regional and remote helpline saw an increase in calls for assistance of 157 per cent.

Women’s Legal Service Queensland CEO Nadia Bromley said called for more investment in violence prevention and assistance.

Women’s Legal Service Queensland CEO Nadia Bromley

“We have seen more calls to our helplines, higher levels of violence, high levels of homelessness,” Ms Bromley said.

“A huge investment needs to be made into prevention, early intervention and behaviour change programs because it is imperative we support people but have to take the steps to stop the violence, because court orders alone clearly are not good enough.”

She said many women often faced a choice between being homeless or experiencing violence.

“We are increasingly seeing people separating under one roof, and women are choosing to stay in that environment because that is preferable to being homeless,” she said.

“It’s a horrifying reality. It’s difficult enough on your own, but to do that in the context of violence and homelessness … it is genuinely a crisis.”

DVConnect director (social impact) Michelle Royes echoed Ms Bromley’s concerns.

“The most significant pattern we are seeing is more people reaching out for help – both victim/survivors and people using violence. While we’re glad awareness is growing, and we can improve safety and wellbeing outcomes for Queenslanders, we need increased investment to keep up with the demand.

“By 2024, we received over 10,700 more calls to our Womensline than we had in 2021. Demand in 2025 has continued to rise. Despite this, DVConnect maintains a 93 per cent response rate and continues to innovate to support people in crisis,” she said.

“Calls to our Mensline are increasing, and we view this shift as promising.”

She acknowledged that some communities remain disproportionately at risk.

DVConnect director (social impact) Michelle Royes

“First Nations people experience disproportionately high rates of DV, often linked to systemic and historical trauma,” she said.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people know best what their communities need and want.

LGBTIQA+SB people also experience higher rates of DV and deserve safe, affirming support.

“We are always looking for ways to reduce barriers to support, including digital access for people in remote communities.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the government was committed to protecting victims and survivors.

“We have introduced legislation into parliament to give police the power to immediately protect victims of DFV for 12 months with a new police protection direction, and give courts the power to put GPS trackers on high-risk perpetrators to monitor their movements 24/7,” she said.

“The Crisafulli government has also conducted a review of DVConnect to ensure that when victims call the service for help, the phone is answered.”

She said funding had also been allocated in the 2025-26 budget to double Queensland’s 24/7 DV crisis response capacity including to deliver a new North Queensland-based hub next year.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said they were committed to a holistic approach to DV prevention and response.

“Collaborative partnerships provide the conduit to improve integrated service responses, focused on offering a holistic, victim-centric trauma informed approach,” a QPS spokesman said.

Originally published as Domestic violence in Qld: New data exposes devastating trend