This summary review will examine case studies of six children known to Child Safety who died where nonphysical acts of domestic and family violence (DFV) were present.
The review aligns with the Board’s recent reflections on recognising the multiple types of DFV that are more subtle yet also harmful. By highlighting how ‘non-physical’ forms of DFV such as coercive control, emotional abuse, intimidation, and financial manipulation can impact children’s safety and wellbeing, particularly when they often go unrecognised or are not weighted sufficiently in casework and assessments, the review will provide a more comprehensive understanding of DFV across systems.
Several common themes were identified across the cases. Many parents had experienced childhood trauma, including contact with child protection services, exposure to domestic and family violence, alcohol and drug use, and physical, psychological and sexual abuse. As adults, parents’ contact with the child protection system often related to criminal offending behaviour, alcohol and other drug use and/or supply, and mental health issues arising from exposure to, or experiences of, domestic and family violence.
Across the six cases, a range of contextual factors known to complicate risk assessment and response in DFV settings were present, including parental separation, complex household compositions involving adults with histories of alleged child sexual abuse, and cases involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families where culturally responsive and trauma-informed system engagement was particularly critical. These factors underscore the importance of pattern-based risk recognition and whole-of-household assessment when children are exposed to non-physical forms of DFV.
This review aims to examine current research and case evidence on non-physical DFV, and its impact on the safety of children. The review will consider the recent legislative reforms in Queensland including the introduction of the coercive control offence and the upcoming changes to the non-fatal strangulation provisions, and their implications for recognition of and response to DFV. The review will discuss current agency responses and highlight how policies and work force training are changing to keep pace with the evolving definition of DFV. Drawing on real-life case studies, the review will explore how Child Safety, Queensland Police Service (QPS), and other stakeholders are adapting their policies, tools, and workforce capability to better recognise and respond to DFV in all its forms.