A Guide to Reporting Domestic Violence & Coercive Control: What Happens at a Police Station?

Listen to this episode if you or a friend:

• Are nervous or unsure how to report domestic violence or coercive control to the police.

• Want to understand the process and what happens after you report it.

• Need guidance on evidence collection and seeking support.

• Are interested in safety planning and available resources.

• Seek reassurance and empowerment in navigating the challenging situations involving domestic violence.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains discussions of Domestic Violence. If you feel triggered please call 13 11 14 Lifeline and someone is there to listen. Call 1800 Respect if you or someone you know needs support in this area. Call 000 if in immediate danger.

In this episode, we speak with Inspector Dwyer, Manager of State Domestic Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Unit in the Queensland Police. We discuss the step-by-step process of reporting domestic violence and coercive control to the police. Learn what happens inside a police station so you can take those next steps with confidence instead of being afraid of the unknown. Inspector Dwyer provides valuable insights into the steps that people can take, the evidence required, and the support available to them.

Don't Miss Out On These Key Points:

• Understanding the Process: Inspector Dwyer outlines the process of reporting domestic violence incidents, emphasising the importance of collecting evidence such as witness statements or medical reports.

• Follow-up and Communication: Victims should expect proactive communication from police officers, who are responsible for keeping them informed about the progress of their case.

• Dealing with Insufficient Evidence: If you feel your case has been dismissed prematurely, seek advice from a domestic violence coordinator or specialist within the police station.

• Coercive Control: Report patterns of coercive behaviour to the police.

• Safety Planning: Create a safety plan with the help of domestic violence service providers to mitigate risks associated with reporting abuse.

• Interstate Orders: Orders issued in one state are recognized nationally, ensuring protection for victims even if they move or travel to another state.

• Training and Awareness: Details on how the Queensland Police Service has invested in extensive training for its officers to recognize and respond effectively to domestic violence situations, including victim-centric, trauma-informed practices.
• Empowerment and Hope: Inspector Dwyer underscores the commitment to eradicating domestic violence and offers reassurance that victims survivors have support and resources available to them.

Inspector Melissa Dwyer Bio:

• Melissa joined the Queensland Police Service in 1991, following her completion of secondary education the year prior.
• Initially serving in uniform, Melissa was later appointed to the Redcliffe Criminal Investigation Branch, becoming the first female appointed to the CIB in that District.
• She gained extensive experience as a regional Detective, specializing in investigating rape offenses, including those committed within marriage, and leading investigations into domestic and family violence (DFV) homicides.
• After 13 years as a regional Detective, Melissa became the Officer in Charge of a Prosecution Corp, serving as the senior prosecutor for DFV and serious and violent crimes.
• In 2015, she was promoted to Senior Sergeant in the Strategic Policy Branch, where she played a key role in leading the Queensland Police Service's implementation activities associated with the recommendations of the Not Now: Not Ever Report.
• Currently, Melissa serves as the Inspector Manager of the State DFV & Vulnerable Persons Unit, where she was instrumental in implementing the DFV Specialist Courts, earning joint agency Prime Minister's awards and Commissioners Outstanding Awards.
• She also developed and implemented the Queensland Drug & Alcohol Court.
• Melissa has provided evidence at the Commission of Inquiry into Police responses to DFV and led the development of DFV frontline and specialist training for the QPS, earning accolades at the 2023 International ACWAP awards.
• Her training was endorsed by ANROWS as best-practice and shared to assist interstate training development.
• Melissa holds post-graduate qualifications in DFV and is actively involved in enhancing collective responses to DFV through membership on external Boards.
• Her experiences have fueled her desire to improve the system and change outcomes for women and children while holding perpetrators accountable.

Other Podcast Episodes Mentioned 

Domestic Violence and how to get out of it Part 1

Domestic Violence and Family Violence Part 2

Coercive Control in Divorce and after Separation

Stalkers gonna stalk - How to deal with coercive control, tracking & harassment

Post Separation Abuse and what you can do about it.

Coercive Control: how you can help yourself or a friend & what you need to know about the legal changes coming

Child Abuse, Family Violence or Risk and the notice you need to fill in for the Family Court.

What you might be doing that you don't yet realize may have significant ramifications to your property, parenting or domestic violence matters

Family & Domestic Violence and how it impacts on your case in The Family Court

Four things you might not realise are coercive control and the questions to ask yourself to see if it might be happening to you.

Delay Tactics in Divorce: How to counter then & How it can affect your Property, Chlildren's & Domestic Violence Matters.

The Post Separation Abuse Playbook and what you can do about it. Part 1

The Post Separation Abuse Playbook and what you can do about it. Part 2

Useful Resources:

Click here for our free before you leave checklist 

Click here for our free mediation checklist

Sign up here for our next free online webinar

Emergency Contacts:

• WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE 
• LEGAL AID
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Mensline Australia 1300 789 978
• Kids Help Line 1800 551 800
• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline 1800 019 123
• Relationships Australia 
• Police on 000
• DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week) Note: This number is not recorded on your phone bill
• DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636
• National DV line on 1800 737 732.1800RESPECT 1800 737 732

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Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. This is just one lawyer's opinion of the family court's views in Australia. Do not base your case on anything mentioned in this episode unless it is first discussed and approved by your personal lawyer. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different. By listening to this show, you are agreeing that it and the company that runs it are not liable for the outcome of your case. 

Please note that this podcast provides general education only and is not legal advice. Always seek independent legal advice, as every situation is different.