There are concerns that Queensland Police have not given any feedback on the proposed domestic violence law.
A bill to change the law so that coercive rule could later be criminalized is being considered by a parliamentary committee on 7 November.
Queensland Police Union chairman Ian Leavers says he supports mandatory control legislation as a special tool to “make the world a better place”.
Retirees say domestic violence cases make up nearly half of the police workload and Queensland Police will receive 140,000 domestic violence calls in 2021.
However, he is concerned that Queensland Police have not taken part in the legal investigation.
“It is a concern that Queensland Police have not played a greater role in developing legislation to counter it,” the union president told the commission on Monday.
“I further suggest that the police were not involved in this investigation. As one of Queensland’s leading authorities, we believe that evidence must be presented prior to this investigation.”
Mr. Reavers said he was concerned about the police’s ability to enforce coercive control laws without proper training and resources, given the QPS’s fixed budget.
Enforcing these laws requires professional investigators with expertise and experience in coercive controls.
“This comes from working in child protection. You really have to be passionate about that kind of work,” he said.
Defectors say coercive control investigations take time and police cannot sit and testify with vulnerable witnesses for three hours.
It can take days and it is difficult for police to try to build a relationship to gather evidence.
“I was reincarnated as a middle-aged man…you have to build relationships with long-time victims in order for them to open up to you. It’s not easy,” says the union. Boss said.
The proposed law includes penalties for offenders who violate domestic violence orders, protective notices, or terms of release if the offense involves physical violence.
Evidence of a history of domestic violence is admissible in court proceedings under the bill, and domestic violence is considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.
The proposed law would also allow noncriminal victims of domestic violence to access assistance from victims of criminal schemes.
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Australian Associated Press is an Australian news agency.