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“I may not have taken that step without hearing your podcast.”

Inspector Melissa Dwyer’s appearance on ‘The Divorce Course’ podcast has made a significant impact on listeners by providing essential insights into reporting domestic and family violence.

As the Manager of the Domestic and Family Violence Vulnerable Persons Unit, her guidance has empowered victim survivors to take actionable steps toward safety and justice.

During the podcast, Inspector Dwyer explained the step-by-step process of reporting domestic and family violence, stressing the importance of victim survivors outlining details of domestic and family violence incidents to enable Police to undertake a holistic investigation. This approach enables Police to consider the behaviours perpetrated throughout the relationship and to identify evidence to support Police and Courts to take action to protect a victim-survivor, children and other persons. .

She highlighted important topics such as communication and follow up, safety planning, coercive control and the recognition and enforceability of protection orders nationally.

Inspector Dwyer also emphasised the extensive training that Queensland Police Service has implemented, focusing on victim-centric, trauma-informed practices, enhancing officers’ response to domestic and family violence, underscoring the commitment to eradicating domestic and family violence. She also explains the ongoing cultural transformation within the organisation, discussing initiatives implemented to enhance engagement with victim-survivors such as the ongoing statewide roll out of ‘safe spaces’ – a designated private, safe, and secure area to provide compassionate and effective support to victim-survivor to report their experience to Police.

The impact of Inspector Dwyer’s words spurred one listener to take action. The victim-survivor sent a thank you note sharing how the podcast motivated her to document her abuse and approach the police, resulting in a full family violence intervention order. Her gratitude illustrates the podcast’s powerful impact in encouraging informed and decisive action.

Inspector Melissa Dwyer’s podcast appearance has provided victims of domestic violence across Australia with crucial knowledge and hope. By clarifying the reporting process and highlighting available support systems, she is empowering victim-survivors to take the necessary steps toward safety and justice. This episode demonstrates the positive change that informed dialogue and dedicated advocacy can achieve.

Listen to Inspector Mel Dwyer’s interview on ‘The Divorce Course’ to gain essential insights into reporting domestic and family violence: