A Female Perspective – Dora Damkohler

“I’m a disgrace to my sex, and have been drinking Morphia and Chloral.

I’m drunk now, but I’m not a criminal, and why should I be sent to Gaol?”

 Dora Damkohler 9th May 1903.

Dora Damkohler 

Alias:  Dora Martin

Age: 33

Native Of :  France

Height:  5 feet 3 1/2 Inches

Build:  Slight

Complexion:  Sallow

Hair: Brown

Eyes:  Grey

15 Prior Convictions  

Markings :  False teeth upper jaw.  White spots on face.

Dora Damkohler, a French immigrant, had a dangerous addiction to alcohol, more specifically spirits, chloral and morphia. However, because of this, she made every effort in the courtroom to change the way women were treated in gaol and to seek rehabilitation for herself and other addicts.

Dora Damkohler, also known as Martin, was known among the police at the Central Police Court in Brisbane. Her troubles first landed her in the hands of Boggo Road Gaol first in 1903, where she paid regular visits every couple of month for the next several years until her final sentencing in 1908.

With every encounter with the police, she pleaded guilty to not being a criminal, but a woman who wanted the chance to be helped through rehab. Her active espousal for the government to form an Inebriate Home (or rehab centre) to fully mend her critical drinking habit caused chaos for the Brisbane Police Court. Her case was the first of many to make the court realise that 3 months in gaol will not cure her, and others, of their dependence on alcohol; and there was a need for an establishment of a recovery program.

Salvation Army Home for Women Stanley Street Brisbane 1912

Damkohler, a fiery woman who had a strong desire for receiving help, won over her addiction, which lead to the establishment of rehabilitation, resulting in help for other struggling prisoners.

In celebration of Queensland Women’s Week and International Women’s Day, we are delighted to share the stories of Boggo Road Gaol from a female perspective.

This article was contributed by Researcher Abby Smith as part of the ongoing research program for Boggo Road Gaol Pty Ltd. The aim of the program is to bring to light and share articles relating to Boggo Road for the purposes of review and study. Do you have a story to share or something you would like us to know about? You can contact the research team here