By Bonny O’Shea, produced for online by Mitchell Ogden.
When women want to kill someone, they really mean it.
This is just one of the interesting revelations coming from today’s Intimate Partner Violence and Homicide Symposium in Brisbane.
The symposium presents a collection of the latest research into domestic violence and other contributing factors to partner homicide.
Griffith University Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mazzerole says basic human emotions are escalating into partner homicide.
“We are starting to see that the risks involving control, sexual jealousy or percieved infidelity seem to be leading to these events,” he said.
He says the research is designed to help prevent this behaviour.
“By looking at how risks can escalate, we think it bodes well for improving opportunities for prevention,” he said.
International research presented shows men are the main perpetrators, committing approximately three quarters of partner homicide.
Gold Coast Domestic Violence Prevention Centre counsellor Lucy Gregory says she applauds any research that could prevent domestic violence and homicide.
“Domestic homicide is one of the most preventable homicides in our community,” she said.
“If we can get the strategies in place, and if systems respond appropriately, we can actually end domestic homicide.”
The Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group is in Brisbane’s King George Square today to raise awareness about the issue.