Reach Out This Christmas

For many people, the prospect of spending the Christmas and New Year period with family is exciting, but for others, it is a time marked by fear and intimidation as the risk of domestic and family violence (DFV) increases.

Historically, North Brisbane District (NBD) notes an increase of calls for service, particularly during Christmas afternoon, Boxing Day and New Years Eve. Often coinciding with the consumption of alcohol.

NBD Chief Superintendent David Cuskelly says responding to DFV has been a top priority which led to the introduction of new roles embedded throughout the district.

"As I say to my district, responding to DFV and sexual violence (SV) offences isn't the responsibility of one particular team. DFV and SV is everyone's responsibility."

This year NBD introduced new DFV and SV roles into Criminal Investigation Branches across the district, rather than being assigned to a DFV specific team.

Chief Superintendent Cuskelly says expanding on unit's capabilities is important because DFV offences don't often occur in isolation.

"When looking at charges of DFV you will usually find that they are accompanied by an array of criminal offences including sexual assault, rape, grievous bodily harm, assault, fraud, stealing and in some extreme cases torture," he said.

"This is why the new positions are embedded throughout the district, in teams which investigate an array of criminal offences."

If you are experiencing DFV or SV, Chief Superintendent Cuskelly asks that you reach out.

"My message to anyone experiencing DFV or SV that is worried these holidays, is please reach out. You are not alone, and no person should ever be treated this way."

"I am working to better support my district in their ability to respond and in turn support you."

Chief Superintendent Cuskelly says any perpetrators of DFV will be held to account.

"My message to any DFV or SV offender is that we have and are continually working to strengthen our capabilities to hold offenders, like you, to account."

"You aren't tough for threatening or hurting another person, you are a criminal. You are solely responsible for your actions, and you will be made to face the consequences for them."

Part of building a community that is safer and feels safer is acting when you feel something isn't right.

If you suspect someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, reach out. Your initiation of a conversation and offer of support can make a difference. There are also resources to support you in having these conversations.

Support is available for all Queenslanders experiencing domestic and family violence - services continue to operate throughout the Christmas and New Year period to support those in need.

Reporting sexual offences - reach out

• If you've experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
  • If there's an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, to Policelink on 131 444 or face to face at a police station.
  • Victim-survivors can also report a sexual offence to police, without making a formal complaint, and they can remain anonymous if they wish, through Alternative Reporting Options (ARO)
  • For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.

Reporting DFV - reach out

• If you or someone you know is being impacted by domestic and family violence, we encourage you to report it to police or access support services:
  • If the incident is happening now, or if there is immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
  • For non-urgent domestic and family violence matters, contact Policelink anytime on 131 444.
  • If making a phone call or visiting a police station isn't a safe option, you can request contact with police online for non-urgent domestic and family violence.

• Download the 'Be There' app to know what to say or how to 'be there' for a loved one, friend or colleague.

• Please reach out for support if you or someone you know is impacted by domestic and family violence.