Help is at hand.
Noosa Heads officer in charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said the community could help curb domestic and family violence in the Noosa Shire.
“Pick up the phone,” he said. “If you can hear something happening next door or you think someone is in danger, pick up the phone and call the police. You can remain anonymous and we can attend the home.”
If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, there is help at hand.
Phone:
Police: Triple zero
DV Connect: 1800 811 811
Centacare SCOPE: 5430 9300
Websites (with fast exit buttons):
www.scopedv.org
www.dvconnect.org
Beware of technology
Centacare SCOPE manager Brigitte McLennan said technology was making it easier for abusers to track their victims, thanks to tracking apps installed on their phones.
Ms McLennan said the use of spyware in domestic violence was increasing but being aware of the apps could help victims protect themselves.
Location services and the use of GPS in many smartphones provide the opportunity for spyware to notify someone of another person’s whereabouts.
Usually, the apps need to be installed on both phones, so keep an eye out for any new app icons that have appeared on your phone.
Common apps available for download include Find My Friends, Where is My Friend, Glympse Share Location, Tracku Friend Tracker, Bugg and My Friend Map.
The Domestic Violence Resource Centre also suggests turning off your location services on your phone to block any GPS devices, using a computer that the abuser can’t access, as well as creating a new email account on a safe computer to prevent access.
What is domestic violence?
Domestic and family violence is described as behaviour that controls or dominates another person through fear and intimidation. The abused person often fears for their safety or well-being and the safety of others.
The abused person often feels too frightened to argue back and can become involved in an escalating cycle of abuse over time.
Domestic and family violence includes all types of relationships including husband and wife, children and parents and even family pets.
Noosa Heads officer in charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said domestic violence knew no discrimination, reaching across all levels of wealth, education and family structures.
