BRIBIE ISLAND WRAP

www.mypolice.qld.gov.au/moreton

Rise in domestic violence occurrences prompts safety message from police and support services.

Police and support services are providing an important reminder on how vulnerable members of our community and those who may feel unsafe in their homes or relationships can access vital support.

Inspector Melissa Dwyer from the Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command said everyone had the right to feel safe in their homes, but police were seeing increased reporting of domestic and family violence across the state.

“Last Financial Year police responded to 138,871 domestic violence occurrences in our community with March being the month we saw the highest number of occurrences,” Inspector Dwyer said. “These callouts often happen when a crisis point has been reached and it can be complex to resolve these issues. We are here today to remind people of the various ways they can seek support through family and friends, support services or police.”

“We tend to see more women seeking refuge and making the decision to leave unsafe relationships at this time of year,” she said.

“The decision to leave can be a time of increased risk for those in unsafe relationships and may lead to a higher level of reporting. “The Be There app is a bystander empowerment tool which provides information on how you can learn the signs, connect the dots and remember the moments that matter to support those who need a safe space.”

• For more information on Griffith University’s MATE and Be There program visit: https://matebystander.edu.au/ or download the free Be There app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

• For more information on the Lady Musgrave Trust and the online Handy Guide visit https://thehandyguide.com.au/ Assault and wilful damage, Morayfield

A 34-year-old man has been charged with wilful damage and assault occasioning bodily harm whilst armed after an incident that occurred on February 20 at Morayfield. It is alleged a 49-year-old woman was assaulted after she was hit with a metal bar by a man known to her. At about 3am on February 20, the woman was attended a service station on Buchanan Road, Morayfield after she having an argument with the man. After departing, the woman encountered the man in his car in the vicinity of Burbury Road, Morayfield where the woman attempted to get away from the man. It is alleged the man blocked her vehicle, got out of his car and smashed the rear driver’s side window of her car with a metal bar. It is further alleged that when she got out of her car, he hit her with the metal bar causing her to fall to the ground. She suffered bruising to her torso. Police responded, however the man had fled the scene prior to their arrival. He was apprehended on March 1 and charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and wilful damage. He was remanded in custody and will appear in the Caboolture Magistrates Court.

Five people have been arrested overnight for unrelated offences of contravening a domestic violence order. This includes, a 63-year-old male was arrested at a Lawnton residence where he was not able to attend, due to a Domestic Violence Order. It is alleged that the male attended the address at about 1.30pm on March 1, entered without permission and began drinking alcohol. The resident left and contacted police who attended the residence and located the man. He was arrested and remanded in custody to appear in the Pine Rivers Magistrates court.