As the understanding of the complexities of domestic and family violence (DFV) increases, so too does the capability of the Queensland Police Service's (QPS) response. The Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons (DFV&VP) Command was established earlier this year. Evolving from a previous State Unit, the Command is made up of a group of specialist officers who are tasked with driving the QPS' strategic response to DFV.
As a project coordinator, Acting Senior Sergeant Rowena Hardiker liaises with partner agencies, support services and officers on a daily basis to inform how the QPS can best respond to and prevent DFV within our community.
"It's about recognising the opportunities to improve our response - whether that's through policy, process, training and services for both victims and front line police," Acting Senior Sergeant Hardiker said.
Having previously worked in various places across the state, it was while embedded as a specialist Domestic and Family Violence Liaison Officer in the regional community of Normanton where Acting Senior Sergeant Hardiker really saw the first hand impacts of domestic and family violence on individuals, families and the community
"As a regional police officer, you are a part of the community. You live in the area, your kids go to school at the local school and you really feel the effects of these complex and deep seated issues," she said.
"It also makes you really invested in making a difference as you can see how police work can positively influence individuals, families and the broader community."
Holding specialist domestic and family violence roles in both Normanton and Mount Isa, Acting Senior Sergeant Hardiker began to establish connections with both victims and offenders, looking closely at the behaviours and characteristics associated with DFV and the power of a cross agency response.
"In Mount Isa, I worked in - what at the time was - the newly establish High Risk Team. We had amazing interagency relationships which really improved the outcomes for victims and offenders to make a real difference," she said.
"Living and working in the community you get to see the individual outcomes, the impact on people's lives and how important sharing information is so all services can be working towards the same goals and, more broadly, the prevention of DFV."
Now embedded within the DFV&VP Command, Acting Senior Sergeant Hardiker, brings specialist operational knowledge to help drive the QPS' state-wide DFV response strategy.
"Our role is to be the QPS voice at the inter-departmental and inter-unit conversations which are happening all the time and are vital to ensuring that we are constantly improving our response," she said.
"We also ensure that that a DFV lens is placed over everything we do as a Service so that no decisions are made in isolation and that all effects on victims and perpetrators are considered.
"We are committed to continuous learning, proactively reviewing processes and procedures to ensure our response protects victims and holds perpetrators to account."
Read more in our Policing domestic and family violence series:
The DFV specialists supporting first responders – inside the Triple Zero (000) response to DFV
A wrap around response for victims – inside the Logan High Risk Team
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
