Queensland Police have arrested and charged 75 Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG) members and associates with over 300 domestic violence related offences in the last year.
The results follow research that identified a concerning link between OMCG’s and domestic and family violence.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) conducted research throughout 2022 and identified more than 50 per cent of OMCG members or affiliates had domestic and family violence (DFV) history.
It also showed OMCG members or affiliates were 10 times more likely to be listed as respondents compared to the rest of the Queensland adult population.
The offence of strangulation, a particularly serious offence and lethality indicator found four per cent of all OMCG DFV offences were a strangulation offence, compared to the remainder of the Queensland population which was two per cent.
Over the last five years, the QPS Organised Crime Gangs Group (OCGG) has engaged in gender-based violence prevention strategies, in ending violence against women and girls by OMCG’s associates and members.
Detective Superintendent Troy Pukallus from OCGG said the research revealed some truly alarming statistics.
“Domestic violence, whether related to bikies or not, is not acceptable, not now, not ever. There are no excuses.
“We know bikies tend to be highly territorial and they often use intimidation and violence to exert power and control over their victims, which supports and facilitates their criminal offending.
“Power and control is a pattern of behaviour which keeps domestic and family violence victim survivors locked in the abusive relationship.
“This violence can take place in public, exposing members of the community to an unacceptable risk. It also, unfortunately, extends to their personal relationships,” Detective Superintendent Pukallus said.
In February 2022, police charged an ex-Rebels member with two counts of assaults occasioning bodily harm on his female partner. He was fined $5,000 and had his conviction recorded.
In August 2022, police investigated a domestic violence breach where a victim survivor was assaulted whilst holding a baby. A Bandidos member was charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and contravention of a domestic violence order. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
In September 2022, police charged an ex-Finks man with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm for assaulting his partner. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment.
Ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women tomorrow, November 25, the QPS is bringing awareness to the issue that women and children closely linked to members and associates of OMCGs are incredibly vulnerable and at increased of harm and trauma.
The Organised Crime Gangs Group understand the complexity of the OMCG environment and work tirelessly to prevent and reduce domestic violence and ensure the OMCG members that commit domestic violence are hold accountable for their actions.
The QPS is committed to maximising the safety, protection and wellbeing of women, children and vulnerable people who fear or experience domestic and family violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, you should report it to police.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
More information is also available from the Queensland Government Domestic and Family Violence portal.
