Domestic violence cases spike

DOMESTIC violence cases have been cited as a major factor in the massive surge of accused criminals facing Territory courts last year.

NT Department of Attorney General and Justice statistics show Magistrates’ Courts across the NT heard 17,505 criminal cases in 2012-13 — almost 30 per cent more than the previous year.

That figure was 4300 more

Number of cases before Magistrates’ Courts

2012/13........................17,505 2011/12........................13,528 2010/11........................13,905 2009/10........................13,887 2008/09........................14,410 2007/08........................13,123 2006/07........................12,394 than the department’s prediction for the financial year.

The number of people facing court does not necessarily reflect the incidence of crime — the Government explained the increase by saying targeted police operations had resulted in more arrests.

But such an unprecedented and unexpected jump will surely spark renewed debate about law and order.

Attorney-General John Elferink said domestic violence was one area where an increased number of alleged of- fenders were brought before a magistrate last year.

Police statistics show the number of reported domestic violence incidents increased by 9.3 per cent last year.

‘‘Consistent with the most recent crime statistics, there has been an increase in reporting of domestic violence in the community, and this has led to more offenders appearing before the court,’’ Mr Elferink said. ‘‘Police operations, including Project Re- spect, have incorporated a pro-arrest strategy, ensuring that those who commit domestic violence-related offences are held accountable.’’

Shadow Attorney-General Michael Gunner said the increase in criminal cases was linked to ‘‘the CLP’s failed alcohol policies’’.

‘‘The CLP promised to cut crime by 10 per cent in their first year,’’ Mr Gunner said.

Mr Elferink said the CLP Government had employed an extra 120 police officers and had ‘‘a focus on punishing offenders for the crimes they commit’’.

He said policing measures enacted last year included more operations to target recidivist offenders, particularly on property crime.

‘‘This has led to a drop in property crime across the Northern Territory — (down) 8.2 per cent in the 12 months to June and the lowest seen since 2004-05.’’