More than 150 Queensland Police Service members joined thousands of Queenslanders at Brisbane’s annual Darkness to Daylight event, taking part in an overnight challenge dedicated to remembrance, raising awareness and preventing domestic and family violence, while standing in solidarity with those affected.
The event, hosted by Challenge DV, was held overnight and into the morning after being rescheduled from 28–29 May due to weather. It had originally been planned during Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
At the centre of the event was a team-based 110km relay-style run, representing the 110 lives lost to domestic and family violence in Australia each year. Participants were also able to join the final 10km or 3km sections, while QPS members also took part across 5km, 10km and 110km events.
For QPS, the event was both a public show of support and a reminder of the daily reality of domestic and family violence across Queensland. Police respond to an average of 500 DFV-related call-outs each day, equal to about one every three minutes.
Last year, 20 Queenslanders lost their lives to domestic and family violence.
Running Through the Night for Lives Lost
The overnight format gave the challenge a clear symbolic focus, moving from darkness into daylight while participants raised funds and awareness for prevention and early intervention work.
QPS members took part as police and as members of the wider community, joining an event built around remembrance, survivor support and prevention. Office of the Commissioner General Manager Cathy Ford spoke at the closing ceremony, where she acknowledged the community response and the shared responsibility to reject domestic and family violence.
Superintendent Michael Ede completed the 110km overnight run and described participation as a meaningful way to recognise the impact of domestic and family violence, remember those who have died and support efforts to prevent further harm.
The event also drew public support online after QPS congratulated participants on social media. Community responses thanked those who took part and recognised the work of police who respond to domestic and family violence incidents.
Funds Support Challenge DV Programs
Funds raised through Darkness to Daylight support Challenge DV’s work in domestic and family violence prevention. That work includes workplace education, respectful relationships programs, strategic partnerships and advocacy.
Challenge DV works across schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, local businesses and community groups, with programs aimed at giving people the knowledge and confidence to recognise abuse and help prevent violence.
A QPS fundraising page connected to Darkness to Daylight described the team’s participation as a way to stand with survivors, honour lives lost and support programs focused on education, resources and prevention. The page had exceeded its fundraising target and was no longer accepting donations.
Help Remains Available
People experiencing domestic and family violence can contact police and support services.
If domestic violence is occurring and someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero on 000. For other domestic and family violence matters, police can be contacted on 131 444 at any time.
Support and counselling services include DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811, DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 636, 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, 13YARN on 13 92 76, Diverse Voices on 1800 184 527 and the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192.
Published 19-June-2026
