“A beast that’s increasing”
“It’s the beast that’s increasing every year.” That is the best way Baw Baw family violence unit detective sergeant Paul Ziebell can describe family violence in our community.
The strongest message det sgt Ziebell has for victims is to report family violence.
But, he says, what they see is people reluctant to report it because they fear the consequences of breaking up the family unit.
The Baw Baw police services area recorded a 29.6 per cent increase in family violence incidents from 2019-2020 to 2020-2021
The data does not represent one demographic, or one neighbourhood more than another, it is a community wide issue.
Det sgt Ziebell says family violence does not discriminate, it can happen in any street, any family and at any age, from teenagers to elderly.
It’s not just physical violence. Affected family members can be targets of emotional, psychological, financial or elder abuse.
“All these forms of family violence are unacceptable and will be taken seriously.
Family violence units were established by Victoria Police to address the increasing incidence of family violence.
Det sgt Ziebell says Victoria Police is committed to the recommendations of the 2014 Royal Commission into Family Violence.
“It’s not all about kicking respondents out of their homes and disengaging with families.
“Our role is to liaise with the victim and children and arrest the respondent.
“Our enforcement gets stronger and stronger as needed because the bottom line is what we are trying to do is prevent a fatality.
“We aren’t going to tolerate family violence. We just have to keep working at it. If there’s an increase every year it shows victims are confident in reporting to us.
“But there are people suffering in silence and we encourage them to come forward.
Det sgt Ziebell says the family violence units put in place processes to manage violence and support family units.
He says police work closely with support services including Orange Door and Quantum to assist families with emergency housing, support services or helping a family unit get back on track.
Intervention orders can range from regulations aimed at preventing family violence such as alcohol and drug restrictions to full orders with child access arrangements.
Det sgt Ziebell says the orders vary from perpetrators remaining in the family home under strict conditions to full exclusions of contact with affected family members.
He says it is so important for victims to report any breach before an incident escalates.
“Enough is enough when the intervention order is breached
“But sometimes the affected family member will say they want to try and bring the family unit back into line and that can be done successfully with the right support.
“Sometimes the incident may be mental health, alcohol or drug issues or financially driven. We have our success stories where the perpetrator never does it again.
“But in the situations where they continue, we take drastic measures.
While there are success stories, det sgt Ziebel says the biggest concern is when victims are too scared to leave - the victims too scared of the consequences for themselves or their children.
“While it’s a tragedy for us to hear from victims, these stories should motivate us to do more to help victims and hold perpetrators to account.
“We all have a role to play in changing the culture where violence against women and children is trivialised.
“Changing that culture starts with reporting it and our investigating starts with someone reporting it – it might even be a neighbour, but don’t turn a blind eye because that becomes part of the culture.
“Greater community understanding and support will assist victims to understand this behaviour is not acceptable and seek support from police or support agencies,” det sgt Ziebell says.
This article relates to family violence, violence against women and children and sexual assault that may confront or disturb readers.
If you are in immediate danger contact police on 000.
For 24 hour counselling and support contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732; Safe Steps on 1800 015 188.
If you have experienced sexual assault, call the Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault 5134 3922 (business hours) or 1800 806 292 (outside business hours)
For assistance contact Gippsland Family Violence Alliance 1800 015188 or go to www.gippslandfamilyviolencealliance.com.au
If you are concerned about your behaviour, contact Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.