The tragic murders of Hannah Clarke and her three children—Aaliyah, Laianah, and Trey—have prompted the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to reassess its approach to domestic and family violence (DFV) incidents. In response to the findings from the Coroner’s inquiry, the QPS has committed to enhancing its training and protocols to better protect victims and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
The Coroner’s report acknowledged the actions of Constable Kent but highlighted significant areas for improvement within the QPS’s response to domestic violence situations. The police service stated that it has since evolved its practices, recognizing the complexities involved in responding to DFV cases and the necessity of a more comprehensive understanding of coercive control.
Enhancing Training and Accountability
Following the Clarke family’s tragedy, the QPS has implemented significant changes to its training framework. Since early 2022, the service has introduced an extensive suite of training designed to address the nuances of coercive control and to ensure that investigations are victim-centric and trauma-informed. This training includes a mandatory 23-day program for recruits focusing on the criminalization of coercive control, the application of the Domestic Violence Protective Assessment Framework (DV-PAF), and the identification of individuals most in need of protection.
The QPS has recognized that responding to DFV incidents is complex and challenging. As such, it has committed to developing training tailored to specific roles within the organization, including frontline officers and emergency call takers. This approach aims to improve the identification, response, and investigation of domestic violence cases.
Community Support and Reporting Mechanisms
The QPS has reinforced its commitment to holding officers accountable through independent oversight by agencies such as the Coroners Court and the Crime and Corruption Commission. When a Coroner determines that further reviews are necessary, the Ethical Standards Command (ESC) initiates investigations to uncover information that can improve future responses.
Community members are encouraged to report any concerns regarding police responses to domestic violence. Complaints can be lodged directly at police stations, through the Policelink service at 131 444, or via the QPS website.
Support services for those affected by domestic violence are crucial. In Australia, individuals can access the national family violence counselling service at 1800 737 732, while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support is available at 13YARN, calling 13 92 76. For crisis support, Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14.
The QPS remains committed to learning from past tragedies and making necessary changes to better support victims of domestic and family violence, ensuring that such a devastating event does not happen again.
