A record 964 Toowoomba and Darling Downs offenders thumbed their noses at domestic violence orders in 2016/17, according to latest figures released by Queensland Police.*

LNP Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Ros Bates said victims were left exposed and at risk under a failing system. 

“Two and a half years of a do-nothing Palaszczuk Labor Government have seen breaches of domestic violence orders in Toowoomba increase more than 30 percent from 741 in 2014/15 to 964 in 2016/17,” Ms Bates said.

“Victims should have confidence in the system and the orders of the court to protect them from further abuse and harm.

“The latest police statistical review found almost 20 per cent of offenders who breached an order had done so at least 5 times in the past 5 years.

“I have said it before and I will say it again, protection orders are not worth the paper they are written on if offenders continually ignore them.”

LNP Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki said tougher laws that hold offenders more accountable for their actions need to be considered. 

“Across Toowoomba, police are dealing with record numbers of breaches of domestic violence orders.

“Overall, across our police district, have seen breaches of domestic violence orders jump from 862 in 2015 to 905 in 2016.

LNP Member for Toowoomba North Trevor Watts said more needs to be done to protect victims.

“The LNP has a real plan to tackle domestic violence – from Opposition we introduced a series of tough new bail and parole laws for domestic violence offenders that Labor opposed.

“Only the LNP will deliver a safer and more liveable Queensland.”

* www.police.qld.gov.au/online/data/default.htm

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