Safety is the gift everyone deserves this Christmas.
As the festive season approaches, the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is reminding all community members that violence is never acceptable and that support is always available.
The Christmas and New Year period can bring increased financial stress, family pressures, and higher alcohol and drug consumption, which may lead to a heightened risk of domestic and family violence (DFV), elder abuse, and mental health challenges, particularly for those isolated with perpetrators.
If you or someone you know is experiencing DFV or elder abuse this holiday season, please don't hesitate to report it to the police and reach out for support - help is available.
Domestic and family violence isn't always physical abuse. It also includes repeated patterns of behaviour that are threatening, intimidating, controlling, and/or coercive.
Elder abuse can be emotional, psychological, financial, physical or sexual. Unfortunately, the most common perpetrator of elder abuse is a family member, such as a spouse, adult child, or grandchild, and account for approximately 80% of reported cases.
No one deserves to be treated this way. Everyone deserves to feel safe.
We can all play a role in helping create safer environments.
Reporting DFV and elder abuse is an important step towards safety and can open the door to support and protection.
If you feel unsafe, help is available 24/7.
If DFV or elder abuse is occurring and somebody is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Alternative contact options for non-urgent reports:
- call Policelink (131 444)
- register for SMS messaging
- submit an online inquiry form
- attend any police station
Support and counselling are available by calling:
- DVConnect Womensline (1800 811 811)
- DVConnect Mensline (1800 600 636)
- 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
- 13YARN (13 92 76)
- Elder Abuse Helpline (1300 651 192)
If you are concerned about your own behaviour or think you might be using controlling behaviours, seek help by contacting DVConnect Womensline, DVConnect Mensline, 1800 RESPECT, or 13YARN.
Mental health pressures can also rise at this time of year. The holiday season can be a time of increased stress for many people, as financial, work, family, and social commitments rise.
It's common to experience temporary mental health issues in reaction to life's stressors, which may impact how you think, feel and behave.
Everyone deserves the right to good mental health. Seeking help is an important step towards wellbeing.
If you are experiencing mental health issues, you're not alone. Help is available 24/7:
- If somebody is in immediate danger, call police on Triple Zero (000)
- Lifeline (13 11 14)
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)
