General News
15 May, 2025
On-the-spot DV police protection
POLICE will be able to issue on-the-spot protection directions to victims of domestic violence under legislation recently introduced to parliament.
The reform proposal, tabled to coincide with Domestic Family Violence Month, would mean an immediate 12-month Police Protection Direction would provide long-term safety to victim-survivors and reduce the trauma of going through the judicial processes.
The Directions would order the respondent to not commit domestic violence against the aggrieved or a named person for a year or face a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment. It may also include cool-down, return, or no-contact conditions.
The reforms would not replace standard investigative processes.
In a statement released late last month, the government said over the past decade, domestic and family violence-related incidents had risen by approximately 218%, resulting in police officers responding to a DFV incident every three minutes.
The Government would also roll out GPS trackers for high-risk domestic violence offenders, making 150 devices available from later this year.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Amanda Camm said the reform was about putting the onus on the perpetrator and investing in prevention.
“Domestic and family violence has no place in our society and this reform is about giving victim survivors immediate protection and support,” Minister Camm said.
Small Steps 4 Hannah Foundation co-founders Sue and Lloyd Clarke welcomed the proposed laws, which was turning the tables on perpetrators’ coercive control.
Their daughter and grandchildren - Hannah, Aaliyah 6, Laianah 4, and Trey 3 - lost their lives as a result of domestic violence on 19th February 2020.
“We’re so relieved to see police being emboldened to act meaningfully against perpetrators of family and domestic violence,” Mr Clarke said.
“Hannah’s experience with police was positive, but they simply didn’t have the powers needed to actively protect her - and our grandchildren - from her perpetrator.”
“The onus should always be on the perpetrator, not the victim. We hope these laws make it easier for people to seek help and give them the confidence to turn to police when they need protection.
“We’re calling on all Australian states to match Queensland’s Police Protection Direction so that potential victims can be safeguarded before it’s too late.”
Information and support options are available for anyone affected by domestic and family violence at www.qld.gov.au/needtoknow.
