Queensland Police Hold Vigil for Violence Victims

Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers paused to mark National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day last night, May 7, joining the community at moving candlelight vigils across the state.

The national day is held annually, where community members, including victim-survivors and frontline advocates, come together to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence (DFV).

The vigils serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for community-wide action and awareness.

Last year, 37 women died from intimate partner homicide in Australia.

Tragically, children are also too often among the victims of these violent incidents.

In Queensland, there were 19 victims of alleged domestic and family violence homicides in 2023-2024. Of these, eight were in family relationships, eight were in intimate partner relationships, and three were bystanders.

Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy and Assistant Commissioner Katherine Innes, of the Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command attended the Brisbane vigil last night.

"I joined with the community to remember and honour the 19 Queenslanders whose lives were taken by domestic and family violence in the past year," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.

"Each name we remember represents a life taken too soon and a reminder of why our work must continue with urgency and resolve.

"The Queensland Police Service is actively strengthening our response to protect victim-survivors and hold perpetrators to account.

"Policing alone cannot end domestic and family violence. This is a whole-of-community issue that demands a whole-of-community response.

"We all have a role to play in calling out harmful attitudes, supporting those at risk, and helping to create a safer Queensland for everyone."

Assistant Commissioner Innes added that everyone deserves to feel safe in their home.

"Domestic and family violence is not just physical violence - it includes coercive control, emotional abuse, financial manipulation and more," she said.

"We stand with victim-survivors and urge everyone to take action, show support, and help build a culture of respect and safety."

This year's Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month theme, take positive action today to build a safer Queensland, calls on all Queenslanders to play a role in ending violence in our homes and communities.

The QPS continues to work closely with Queensland Government departments, the domestic and family violence sector, and local organisations to take meaningful action every day.

This includes strengthening our frontline response, supporting those affected, and raising awareness of the many forms domestic and family violence can take.

Queenslanders are encouraged to participate in Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month events and activities, and to stand together to prevent violence in all its forms.

Act today - help build a safer Queensland.

For more information on domestic and family violence support services or how to get involved in prevention efforts, visit www.qld.gov.au/domesticviolence.