STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms KARA COOK (Bonner) (13:50): We've seen one very high-profile case of strangulation in the past week in Queensland, but there have been 440 alleged domestic violence related strangulation cases in Queensland in just two months, which is a 14 per cent increase on the same period last year. Over the last five years, the number of strangulation cases lodged in Queensland courts has increased by more than 42 per cent to 2,578 in the last year.

Strangulation is one of the most serious warning signs of domestic and family violence, and the research is stark. Women who have experienced strangulation by an intimate partner have more than seven times the chance of subsequently being killed by a partner. Strangulation can cause serious internal injuries and brain damage, even when there are no visible marks.

In my electorate of Bonner, we have the Red Rose Foundation, which operates Australia's only strangulation trauma centre. Through Labor's frontline 500 Workers Initiative, we've funded additional workers at the Red Rose Foundation, but it continues to face increased demand. Recognising the warning signs matters, responding appropriately matters, and holding perpetrators accountable matters.

We cannot wait until a woman is murdered to recognise that her life was in danger. To anyone who has experienced strangulation: please seek urgent medical attention, even if you have no visible injuries. Reach out for support.

You deserve to be safe.