Raising Domestic and Family Violence awareness at Carindale

By Senior Constable Rebecca Addison, myPolice South Brisbane
Original article HERE

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and as such, the QPS has a heightened focus on community awareness of the issue.

​The Queensland Police Service is committed to working in partnership with the people of Queensland to provide professional policing services that will, over time, prevent and reduce the incidents of domestic violence in Queensland.

Domestic and Family Violence is defined as behaviour by a person towards another person in a relevant relationship, that is physically or sexually abusive, emotionally or psychologically abusive, economically abusive, threatening, coercive or causes the other person to feel fearful for their personal safety or wellbeing.

One way to achieve this increased understanding and mindfulness, is through positive engagement between QPS and the wider community.

This morning, Tuesday May 14, officers from Carina Station hosted a Coffee with a Cop event at Westfield Carindale, in support of the event.

General Duties officers were joined by officers from the South Brisbane District, Vulnerable Persons Unit and the District Crime Prevention Unit – both of whom were able to speak with the community about their pressing issues and offer advice and guidance.

A large number of community members took the opportunity to engage with police, speak of their own personal experiences and have a coffee with their local cop.

This face to face interaction in a neutral environment, gave officers the opportunity to communicate and connect with persons in need and offer appropriate referral services.

The event was also a positive opportunity for the Queensland Police Service to reiterate the “Not Now, Not Ever” campaign and encourage people to recognise and report signs of domestic violence and abuse.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event.