JOLENE OGLE
May is domestic and family violence month and while the Government is busy encouraging the community to not let “concern become regret” in their latest campaign, local police officers are battling the endemic issue first hand.
Speaking with Noosa Today, Noosa Heads officer in charge Senior Sergeant Steve McReight said domestic violence (DV) is a daily battle for local officers.
“Domestic violence is the most difficult part of policing,” Snr Sgt McReight said. “When attending (DV) calls, officers need to deal with families and emotional, violent scenes.
“Officers have been injured and some killed while attending these scenes.”
But Snr Sgt McReight said policing and assisting DV victims and perpetrators remains a top priority for both the Queensland Police Service and local police.
“Every morning I conduct an audit of every domestic violence complaint and report that has been filed,” Snr Sgt McReight said.
“At this office, we have a DV coordinator who also audits the complaints and reports to make sure everything is done in line with legislation.”
Snr Sgt McReight said new legislation that better reflects a changing community, along with ongoing training, referral systems and local organisations, are all helping in the battle to stop domestic violence in our community.
“Prevention is best,” he said. “Some perpetrators don’t understand what they’re doing is wrong, some don’t understand the court process, or where to get help.
“It’s not always violence that is considered DV. It can include intimidation, threats, stalking.”
Snr Sgt McReight said while DV incidents are still prevalent in the local community, he has seen a “big improvement, with much more support and education for everyone involved in DV”.
“I always say prevention is best and we’re working with the community to help solve this issue.”
To get help for yourself or someone you know who is experiencing a domestic violence situation, make the call to DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811 or Mensline on 1800 600 636.
