A strong message of healing and accountability echoed through Queensland’s Parliament House as the “Break the Silence, End the Violence” event drew together law enforcement, community leaders, and government officials to confront the realities of domestic and family violence.
Led by Sergeant Amanjot Sharma from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Brisbane, the event followed the Queensland Government’s formal criminalisation of coercive control—a landmark shift in how abusive patterns of behaviour are recognised and addressed in the legal system.
Minister for Women, Women’s Economic Security and Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson MP addressed the gathering with clarity and care, saying, “Break the silence, end the violence. That was the message jointly shared between the Queensland Police Service and leaders of Queensland’s Indian community. Our police are doing an excellent job partnering with our multicultural communities to get these important messages out. Particularly, as of this week, coercive control is now illegal in Queensland.”
Minister Simpson called for collective responsibility, stressing that domestic and family violence is not simply a private matter but a community-wide concern. Her remarks praised the proactive work being done by police and community groups in building awareness, especially across culturally diverse populations.
Adding a powerful voice from the diplomatic community, Consul General of India in Brisbane, Ms Neetu Bhagotia, spoke of the invisible scars domestic abuse can leave behind.
“Family and domestic violence is a problem faced across communities around the world. It doesn’t always leave visible scars—but leaves deep wounds. Silence helps no one. It protects the abuser, not the victim. It’s time we come together—as friends, neighbours, families, and communities—to say: enough is enough,” she said.
She went further, challenging cultural taboos that discourage speaking out. “True honour lies in protecting someone’s dignity, not in protecting the abuser. We need to break this silence to end the violence.”
The event was designed not only to inform but to empower. Sergeant Banks of QPS delivered a focused presentation on identifying signs of abuse, especially coercive control in multicultural households—a form of manipulation and intimidation that often escapes easy detection. His presentation was well received for its clear, practical advice and for encouraging greater confidence in accessing police support services.
Cultural elements brought both gravitas and warmth to the occasion. The Queensland Police Pipes and Drums gave a stirring performance, creating an atmosphere that balanced the seriousness of the message with a sense of unity and shared purpose. Attendees noted it as one of the day’s highlights, alongside the direct educational content shared by police officers.
Participants included representatives from across Queensland’s Indian diaspora, domestic violence service providers, state and federal officials, academic experts, and frontline responders. Notably, several members of the Queensland Police Service took active roles in the discussions, highlighting the department’s commitment to both protection and prevention.
The event comes at a time when reports of coercive control are gaining national attention, and legal systems across Australia are moving to treat psychological abuse and manipulation with the seriousness they deserve. Queensland’s new law is seen as a major development, but the event made it clear that legislation alone is not enough—community involvement, education, and cultural awareness are all vital components.
Attendees were reminded that help is available for anyone in need. DVConnect can be contacted on 1800 811 811, a confidential helpline offering advice, crisis support, and pathways to safety.
For those at the gathering, the message wasn’t just about legal reform—it was about shifting the culture. As Consul General Bhagotia said, silence serves no one. By naming the issue, recognising its patterns, and building trust between institutions and communities, there is hope for change—one voice at a time.
The Indian Sun remains committed to sharing these voices and helping create the conditions for safer, more supportive communities across Australia.
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