Dousing threats and the criminal law in Queensland: Do we need a new offence?

Abstract

This article examines dousing threats as criminal conduct and a form of domestic and family violence. It points to recent cases of dousing and highlights concerns that the low penalties of applicable offences in Queensland may not reflect the gravity of the harm caused nor the culpability of offenders. The article analyses the current legal framework and argues that a new dousing offence in Queensland would fill a gap in the criminal law, more accurately label such offending and may also contribute to improved police responses to dousing threats.