Queensland Police Honour Victims of Domestic Violence at Candlelight Vigil

Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers participated in candlelight vigils across the state to commemorate National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day on May 7. The event aimed to honor victims of domestic and family violence (DFV) and raise awareness within the community about the ongoing need for action.

Last year, Australia witnessed 37 women falling victim to intimate partner homicide, highlighting the severity of the issue. In Queensland alone, 19 individuals lost their lives to alleged domestic and family violence in 2023-2024, with victims ranging from family members to bystanders.

Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy and Assistant Commissioner Katherine Innes attended the vigil in Brisbane, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in combating domestic violence. Chelepy emphasized the need for a comprehensive community response beyond policing to address the root causes of violence.

In alignment with this year’s theme of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Queenslanders are encouraged to actively participate in events and activities aimed at preventing violence in homes and communities. The QPS continues to collaborate with various organizations and government departments to provide support to those affected by domestic violence.

For individuals seeking assistance or wanting to get involved in prevention efforts, support services such as DVConnect Womensline, DVConnect Mensline, 1800 RESPECT, and 13YARN are available. If experiencing domestic violence, individuals are urged to report it to the police for intervention and support.