The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has announced that it has been formally re-accredited as a White Ribbon Australia Workplace.
Commissioner for the QPS, Katarina Carroll said the accreditation was a testament to the work being done across the Police Service to enhance understanding of domestic and family violence and support employees who were affected by domestic violence.
“We are very proud of the steps being undertaken by QPS members to empower both the community and fellow colleagues to stand up, speak out and be part of this social change, to build a culture of respect, gender equality and a zero tolerance for violence,” Commissioner Carroll said.
Meanwhile Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk has addressed a Government White Ribbon Day Breakfast in Brisbane.
Ms Palaszczuk said preventing and responding to domestic and family violence was a priority shared by Government, business and the broader community.
“Our message is clear — we want Queensland women and children to live a life free of violence,” she said.
The Premier noted that, in 2020-21, police had attended nearly 120,000 domestic family violence-related matters, a 13 per cent increase on the year before, and duty lawyers had provided 25,099 hours of legal assistance.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Shannon Fentiman has reminded the public that domestic and family violence support services would be available during the festive season through organisations such as DV Connect.
“Sadly, many women and their children will experience a heightened risk of abuse and violence at this time,” Ms Fentiman said.
“We are aware this escalation can be attributed to a general increase in time at home with school holidays, increased household financial pressures, alcohol or substance- fuelled violence and the frequency of family visits over the holidays,” she said.
“DV Connect is a registered not-for-profit charity that provides Statewide specialist services to respond to the immediate safety needs of all victims of violence,” Ms Fentiman said.
