News
14 May, 2025
Remembering victims
The Moreton Domestic and Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit participated in candlelight vigils at Encircle across the district on May 7, marking National Domestic Violence Remembrance Day.
The annual national day brings together community members, including victim-survivors and frontline advocates, to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence (DFV). The vigils serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for community-wide action and awareness.
“It was a powerful and moving experience to stand with the community, victim-survivors, and families as we remembered those lost to Domestic and Family Violence,” Moreton Police shared on social media.
“It’s important to recognise the lives lost to Domestic and Family Violence over the past year and to raise awareness about the ongoing problem in our community.”
Last year, 37 women died from intimate partner homicide in Australia. Tragically, children are also often among the victims of these violent incidents.
In Queensland alone, there were 19 victims of alleged domestic and family violence homicides in 2023–2024. Of these, eight were in family relationships, eight were in intimate partner relationships, and three were bystanders.
Queensland Police Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy and Assistant Commissioner Katherine Innes, of the Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command, attended the Brisbane vigil.
“Each name we remember represents a life taken too soon and a reminder of why our work must continue with urgency and resolve.
The Queensland Police Service is actively strengthening our response to protect victim-survivors and hold perpetrators to account.
Policing alone cannot end domestic and family violence. This is a whole-of-community issue that demands a whole-of-community response.
We all have a role to play in calling out harmful attitudes, supporting those at risk, and helping to create a safer Queensland for everyone.”
Assistant Commissioner Innes added that everyone deserves to feel safe in their home.
“Domestic and family violence is not just physical violence – it includes coercive control, emotional abuse, financial manipulation and more.
We stand with victim-survivors and urge everyone to take action, show support, and help build a culture of respect and safety.”
This year’s Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month theme, take positive action today to build a safer Queensland, calls on all Queenslanders to play a role in ending violence in their homes and communities.
Queenslanders are encouraged to participate in Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month events and activities and to stand together to prevent violence in all its forms.
For more information on domestic and family violence support services or how to get involved in prevention efforts, visit:
www.qld.gov.au/domesticviolence
