Fix on choking attacks
MOUNT Isa and Townsville have the highest number of domestic violence reports in the state per capita, according to the latest police statistics.
Compared with Brisbane, Townsville recorded five times the number of breaches of domestic violence orders per capita in the past financial year, while Mount Isa shockingly had more than 12 times the per capita figure of the state’s capital.
Since the strangulation in offence of a domestic setting was introduced in May last year, 66 of these incidents have occurred in Townsville and 43 in Mount Isa.
Townsville domestic and family violence co- ordinator Sergeant Elise Feltham said this type of offending was a strong precursor to domestic homicide.
“It is concerning that we have, on average, one strangulation offence a week reported to police in Townsville,” Sgt Feltham said.
Townsville recorded 2544 breaches of domestic violence orders in the 2016- 17 financial HORDES of zombies are planning to gather at The Strand tonight.
But don’t be alarmed, the gathering of the undead is all for a good cause: to raise money for the Brain Foundation.
Townsville Zombie Walk organiser Kandice Wills said the foundation funded vital research into neurological illnesses, disease and injuries. year, a 9 per cent drop on the previous year.
Sgt Feltham said the duction was encouraging.
“Domestic and family violence is a significant issue for communities as well as the police and we need to acknowledge that there is no quick fix to ending violence in our state,” she said.
“We are encouraged by any decrease in perpetrators breaching protection orders.
“However, our work is far from over. We know that in many cases domestic violence is a generational issue and we re- need to work with the community to break this cycle and recognise domestic violence as being a huge risk to the community.”
Mount Isa MP Robbie Katter said some clear social problems in Mount Isa and Townsville needed to be dealt with to address this issue.
Mr Katter said alcohol bans in the Northern Territory in the past had pushed many social problems to areas like Mount Isa.
He said increasing jobs and decreasing alcoholism in North Queensland were ways
She became involved in the event through a friend and said she had been involved in the “horror, gore and goth” movements for some time. She’s expecting great costumes this year including zombies, Addams Family lookalikes and “biohazard” doctors.
One of the best costumes she’s seen was an overcoat that made a dog look like it was crawling without legs. Despite the macabre theme, Ms Wills said it would be a family event. to get things moving right direction.
“It’s a huge problem and you can’t sugar- coat it … it’s often connected to people suffering long- term unemployment and alcoholism,” Mr Katter said.
“You can throw a lot of money at these things but you need to get to the grassroots of why these things are happening and change these.
“( This type of crime) prevails where there is lack of hope and most people just want some meaningful work and family structure.” in
“Families get involved and their kids dress up. I’ve seen awesome kids costumes such as a girl who was covered in latex and it looked like her skin was coming apart,” she said.
The event will take place today at 5.30pm at The Rockpool on The Strand. Attendees are advised to arrive at 5pm. The walk will conclude with a sausage sizzle and then a party at Molly Malones. Donations can be made on the night or at brainfoundation. org. au. the