Moreton District Enhances Domestic and Family Violence Response

The Moreton District in Queensland has introduced a new capability in responding to Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) with the establishment of the Serious Crime Investigation Team (SCIT). This specialized unit, created based on recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service response to DFV, aims to provide a victim-centric approach to addressing these issues.

Led by Detective Inspector Phil Hurst, the SCIT team consists of detectives with advanced communication and empathic skills to engage with high-risk DFV victim-survivors. Their focus is on overcoming barriers that may prevent victims from seeking help and offering tailored support to improve engagement with the police and court processes.

In addition to working with victim-survivors, the SCIT also targets high-risk and repeat DFV offenders to expedite their prosecution and prevent further harm. The team recognizes that DFV encompasses various forms of abuse beyond physical violence, including coercive control, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and manipulation.

During DFV Prevention Month, the Queensland Police Service reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding victim-survivors, holding perpetrators accountable, and enhancing frontline responses to DFV. The community is encouraged to play a role in preventing, identifying, and reporting instances of DFV, emphasizing the collective responsibility in addressing this societal issue.

For those experiencing DFV or seeking support, individuals are urged to report incidents to the police and reach out to available services such as DVConnect Womensline, DVConnect Mensline, 1800 RESPECT, and 13YARN. Additional information can be obtained from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal. In case of emergencies, individuals can contact Policelink, Crime Stoppers, or dial 000 for immediate assistance.

The Queensland Police Service underscores the importance of community collaboration in combating DFV and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive response to tackle this critical issue effectively.