FORENSIC FALLACIES
STRANGULATION is seen by experienced police officers, scientific researchers and the State Government as a red flag in domestic violence cases for future serious abuse or homicide.
In the year since non-fatal strangulation was made an offence under Queensland’s criminal code, reflecting the Government’s acknowledgement that it is a well-known indicator of escalating violence, about 800 people have been charged.
Everyone except Queensland Health, it seems, understands just how serious the family violence crisis has become. Its managers say staff have enough work to do without being asked to take on strangulation cases by police.
The Gold Coast understands just how flat-strapped doctors and nurses in the public health system are. They have the city’s sympathy as they bravely work under a crushing load, but the attitude of managers and, apparently, is out of touch with the city’s crushing reality of domestic violence.
There is a report an officer declared he would prefer to look at photographs to check for bruising rather than deal face to face with a victim. Alternatively, police should take victims in during office hours.
The Minister has to act to pull such health officers into line.
Researchers have found that often there are no visible injuries, or that swelling of neck tissues can take up to 36 hours. There can be long-term physical or psychological impacts. Another study in 2014 found that signs and symptoms of non-fatal strangulation can include tiny red spots on the face and neck or under eyelids and around eyes; swelling of the tongue; a raspy voice; cough; loss or near loss of consciousness; reported loss of control of bowel or bladder at time; nausea and vomiting. How many of these are obvious in a photograph?
More often than not, the Gold Coast is ground zero for the horror of domestic violence. Police are now placing particular emphasis on strangulation, since it is the most worrying of warning signs.
Queensland Health has issues with its culture, budget and staff levels. The public understands the latter two, but does not want a bullying culture to spill over into policing and to undermine efforts to deal with a crime that is a major threat to too many families in the community.