TAKE TIME TO TALK TO TIMEBOMBS
Getting to the cause of domestic violence is the best way to stop it
WHY is the Gold Coast the home to such shocking domestic violence bloodshed? Deep within the pages of two reports just delivered to State Government are the answers.
Lawyer Bill Potts was recently asked by your columnist about the Teresa Bradford murder. Her estranged husband David never received psychiatric assessment in custody.
“If we concentrate only on the victim, we miss out on the most important part of the equation – the cause of it,” Mr Potts replied.
William Soronoff, QC, in his just-released parole system review, has noted that “a massive proportion of prisoners suffer from various mental illnesses”.
But only the most dangerous prisoners will be treated. “The rest will be released one day without these issues ever being addressed although they are critical to reoffending and risk to the community,” he wrote.
Reflect back to the Pimpama tragedy. Mr Bradford had no criminal record.
Mr Soronoff also found “another massive proportion of prisoners are addicted to substances”.
The only way to change their violent behaviour was direct contact from counsellors.
“These are among the programs that are underfunded and not offered adequately as a result. The lack of such programs puts the public at risk,” he wrote.
A second report just released was on the findings of independent panels reviewing child deaths.
“Just over half – nine out of 16 cases – of the young people who died from suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition,” the report said.
Of the 66 cases of child deaths examined by the panels, 46 occurred in families known for domestic violence.
Again, not enough qualified people to talk to them.
Opposition prevention of domestic violence spokesperson Ros Bates is seeking our feedback to the LNP’s new DV Bill.
“We can’t afford to go weak on domestic violence laws or walk away from doing everything we can to keep victims safe,” she says.
Here is the link: lacsc@parliament.qld.gov.au The deadline is Monday for submissions and as you ponder that consider the future for Bonnie Mobbs.
The mother of Shelsea Schilling recently fronted a press conference. Her daughter was killed by Bronson Ellery, the bikie drug dealer and substance abuser known as the Lizard Man.
Holding back tears, Ms Mobbs was silent for seconds before finding the gut courage to speak up. “My daughter was a beautiful girl – she was loving, she was caring and we don’t need another person to live the life I had to live,” she said.
We are likely to vote in a state election this year. In the north of the city, your wish list will include more schools, in the south an upgrade of the Pacific Motorway.
On everyone’s wish list should be the need for the streets of our town to be safe. Add your voice to Bonnie’s.
We can’t afford to go weak on domestic violence laws ROS BATES