In the ongoing battle against Domestic and Family Violence (DFV), individuals from diverse backgrounds are stepping up, including dedicated Queensland Police Service (QPS) members who use their personal experiences and QPS training to seek better outcomes for victim-survivors.
Their commitment to community safety extends beyond duty, actively combating the scourge of DFV and doing their best to protect victim-survivors.
As part of DFV Prevention Month, we highlight the contributions of several officers whose dedication exemplifies the QPS' steadfast commitment to preventing and reducing violence in our communities.
We celebrate these officers not as heroes, but as compassionate professionals who strive for positive change for all Queenslanders affected by DFV.
As we acknowledge their efforts, we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing our response to DFV through improved training, strategic operations, and innovative initiatives.
The QPS is dedicated to supporting victim-survivors and affected individuals and continuously striving to improve services for our communities.
Celebrating Regional Queensland's DFV Advocates
Regional Queensland support: Acting Senior Constable Mira Al-Tamimi
Acting Senior Constable Al-Tamimi's proactive approach and compassionate care in handling DFV cases on Thursday Island demonstrate her commitment to justice and victim well-being.
In September 2023 alone, she handled 14 DFV cases, issued five Police Protection Notices and facilitated seven victim-survivor statements, resulting in 32 charges against perpetrators.
Her holistic investigations and victim-centric approach exemplify the QPS' dedication to DFV prevention.
QPS and support agencies: Constable Montana Watson and Constable Nick Webb
Through collaboration with The Women's Centre, Constables Watson and Webbfacilitated life-changing support for a victim-survivor and her son.
Their detailed referral provided crucial insights into the victim-survivor's situation, prompting urgent action. As a result, the victim-survivor's son was successfully transitioned to independent living, breaking free from a cycle of abuse.
Constables Watson and Webb's collaboration with The Women's Centre shows that through coordinated action and mutual support, vulnerable individuals in Queensland communities can find the help and support they need to break free from abuse.
QPS and support agencies: Senior Constable Lisa Ovens and Acting Sergeant Chonoea Davey
With empathy and urgency, Senior Constable Ovens and Acting Sergeant Davey provided crucial support to a victim-survivor with a long history of domestic violence. Their detailed and prompt referral to The Women's Centre proved to be a lifeline for the victim-survivor.
Their proactive approach and accurate risk assessment facilitated meaningful engagement with support services, leading to vital safety planning support, financial assistance, and housing subsidies to prevent homelessness.
Senior Constable Lisa Ovens and Acting Sergeant Chonoea Davey's dedication and compassion have truly made a difference in the life of a victim-survivor, highlighting the impact that small acts of kindness and proactive intervention can have in the fight against domestic and family violence.
Making a difference: Senior Constable Stephen Harris
Senior Constable Harris' initiative and compassion in supporting a victim-survivor highlights the positive impact of comprehensive referrals and trauma-informed approaches in empowering survivors and effecting change.
His comprehensive referral spared the victim from recounting traumatic experiences and enabled the support services to engage with the victim-survivor in a sensitive manner, reducing the risk of re-victimisation.
Senior Constable Harris worked closely with The Women's Centre to swiftly provide essential support, including funding for changing locks on the victim-survivor's house and developing a comprehensive safety plan.
His actions demonstrate the importance of proactive intervention in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring their well-being.
DFV is a collective concern, and its eradication requires the collective effort of our communities.
This Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, we encourage you to increase your awareness of DFV by visiting www.police.qld.gov.au/domestic-violence.
The QPS remains committed to working alongside the community to combat DFV and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals affected by this issue.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
