VICTIM-SURVIVORS reaching out to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) regarding domestic and family violence (DFV) matters can expect enhanced support rooted in trauma-informed practices and real-life insights.
This follows the comprehensive rollout of additional state-wide training to emergency Triple Zero (000) and non-urgent Policelink call takers.
Over 30 dedicated officers and civilian staff from Police Communications Centres (PCC) and Policelink underwent a rigorous two-week train-the-trainer course tailored to refine their practices, deepen their understanding of legislation, and ensure that Queenslanders grappling with or reporting DFV receive victim-centric and trauma-informed responses.
The supplementary training delved into advanced strategies for managing DFV cases, including leveraging the behavioural influence stairway model, defusing tense situations, and providing empathetic support to distressed or vulnerable callers.
Recognising the multifaceted nature of DFV and unhealthy relationships, the Service actively sought lived experiences, consulting with Sue and Lloyd Clarke, parents of the late Hannah Clarke, to provide call takers with a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.
Driving this initiative forward is Acting Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, Senior Education Training Officer and Co-ordinator of the Police Communications Group, who spearheaded the development and delivery of the new content.
Sgt Harris emphasised that this training equips the workforce to intervene, respond to, and investigate incidents of violence in the home or within relationships effectively from the very first contact with community members.
“We recognise that calling the police and asking for help, or reporting violence, can be intimidating and scary,” she said.
This training goes deeper into providing support for our callers and ensures we are providing the best possible service to Queenslanders from their first contact with us
Police Communications Group Co-ordinator Acting Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris
“Our Service will continue to invest in our people to ensure we understand the dynamics of DFV relationships as a whole and take action to protect the victim survivor and hold the perpetrator to account.
“I am looking forward to those who attended the training to take their learnings back to their respective areas and implement further change including how emergency and non-urgent call takers respond to reports of DFV in our community.”
The course will soon commence its rollout to additional PCCs and is slated for state-wide delivery over the next 14 months, aiming to enhance support for victim-survivors.
This additional training was established in response to a recommendation from the Commission of Inquiry into QPS responses to DFV.
For all Queenslanders impacted by DFV, assistance is available—whether online, over the phone, or in person. Your voice will be heard, and you will be supported.
For local DFV support in your area, visit the Queensland Government’s support for victims of abuse website.
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