Earlier this week Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll expressed her shock at the alarming rise in domestic and family violence (DFV) incidents in Queensland. The state recorded a horrific 171,750 domestic violence incidents in the 2022-23 financial year, translating to almost 500 incidents a day.
This is a significant increase from the 138,928 incidents in 2020-21 and the 90,000 in 2017-18.
These “awful statistics” as she called them represent an increase of more than 40% since the tragic murders of Hannah Clarke and her children. Despite these deaths igniting a change in the conversation around control and abuse in relationships, the numbers have continued to soar.
Furthermore, police are being inundated with calls for help related to domestic violence, witnessing a 30% surge in just one year. Commissioner Carroll, reflecting on her extensive policing history, remarked, “I have never seen such a massive increase of percentages in one year – in any crime class.”
As we mark National Homelessness Week from 7th to 13th August, the intertwining of these two pressing issues becomes even more evident, demanding our collective attention and action.
Across Queensland, a deeply unsettling crisis is unfolding. Families, in a desperate bid to find shelter, are confronted with choices no parent should ever have to make: leaving their children at homeless shelters while they spend the night in cars.
This bleak scenario is not an isolated incident but a reflection of the state’s escalating social housing crisis. Tens of thousands of Queenslanders find themselves in precarious situations, with the safety net of stable housing slipping further out of reach.
For many women victims of DFV, the decision to leave an abusive environment is fraught with challenges beyond the immediate threat of violence. The housing crisis, characterised by limited affordable housing options, acts as a significant barrier. But the lack of housing is just one of several reasons.
Many women are financially dependent on their abusers, making the prospect of leaving even more daunting. Without the economic means to secure housing, they are left with few viable options.
Mothers, in particular, face the added burden of ensuring the safety and well-being of their children. The fear of subjecting their children to homelessness can be a powerful deterrent against leaving an abusive situation. Additionally, there’s the very real risk of having their children removed by the State if they are deemed to be in an unsafe environment, further complicating the decision to leave.
Abusers often isolate their victims from friends and family, leaving them without a support network to turn to when considering leaving.
Societal stigma and the shame associated with being a victim of DFV can further deter women from seeking help or leaving their abuser.
The intricate interplay between DFV and the housing crisis, as highlighted by Commissioner Carroll’s recent remarks and the observance of National Homelessness Week, underscores the interconnected nature of societal challenges.
In working through these challenges, the well-being and rights of DFV victims, especially, women, must remain central to our focus. The housing crisis in Queensland is not just a policy issue; it’s a reflection of the values we uphold as a society. The heart-wrenching choices families are forced to make serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change. As we move forward, it is imperative to prioritise the well-being and dignity of every Queenslander, ensuring that no one is left behind.
