Domestic violence is set to spike, Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Stephen Bennett warned.
Mr Bennett said during the Christmas and New Year period, domestic and family violence often escalates as a result of alcohol or substance abuse.
“While this time of year is a happy occasion for most of us, other families struggle as the combination of financial pressures and increased alcohol intake place an additional burden on relationships,” Mr Bennett said.
“The increased domestic violence incidences has a flow-on effect across the community. Often this is when we see an increase in break and enters and other crime because our police are caught up in handling domestic violence related jobs.
“Our police don’t have the time to cover general duties, which is why I have been calling on the government to employ an additional dedicated domestic violence liaison officer in Bundaberg to handle these cases.
Mr Bennett said local organisations will be inundated over the coming weeks as families flee domestic violence situations.
“Families escaping domestic violence often leave with little belongings, mostly just the clothes on their backs, so I urge the community to consider donating toiletry care packs for those in our community doing it tough this year,” he said.
December 2017 /January 2018