Positive signs in fight to stop DV

FAR North Queenslanders are showing signs that they’re becoming more determined to break the cycle and stop domestic violence by speaking out.

According to police figures, 518 assaults relating to domestic violence incidents were reported in the Far North Police District from January to October 2018.

From those reports, 302 were serious assaults, 141 were common assaults, 38 were serious assault (other) and 37 were grievous assaults.

A total of 271 offences against property were also reported in the same period, as well as 139 good order offences, 114 drug offences and 15 sexual offences.

Domestic and family violence co-ordinator Sergeant Hayley Firth said education and awareness programs were helping people become more confident to speak out.

“They’re getting involved; they’ve got confidence that they’re able to report matters and that they’re being listened to,” she said.

“Our education programs must be working – White Ribbon Day, Not Now, Not Ever campaign, the Do Something Campaign and all the media focus that that brings.

“It’s across the board; DV affects everybody – age, gender, size, ethnicity.”

But the increase in Domestic Violence Protection Order breaches year-on-year has raised concerns. Since 2016, there has been a 7.8 per cent increase in the number of people breaching protection orders, and a 3 per cent increase from 2017 to 2018.

“There’s been an increase but that’s comparative with the rest of the state,” Sgt Firth said.

“I think it just shows that we’re putting more DV applications before the court, (which) relieves the pressure off the aggrieved to go through it themselves.”

Sgt Firth said a high response team had also been set up in Cairns to mitigate the risk to victims of domestic violence.

“They meet weekly to discuss high-risk cases,” she said.

“They’re made up of government agencies, support groups and the local DV service.

“It’s one way that each local community can work towards breaking the cycle and stopping DV.” Anyone who is affected by domestic violence can contact their local police, DV Connect on 1800 811 811, or the Cairns Regional Domestic Violence Service on 4033 6100. Each service is available 24 hours.

THEY’RE GETTING INVOLVED; THEY’VE GOT CONFIDENCE THAT THEY’RE ABLE TO REPORT MATTERS AND THAT THEY’RE BEING LISTENED TO.