MELTON is no closer to getting its own family violence unit, despite repeated calls from police and the community.
Inspector Mario Fiorentino said the issue remained a high priority, but resourcing was among the issues police had to address.
“We are not neglecting the commitment to family violence, and the creation of a family violence unit would enhance our abilities, but there is no use in creating a unit unless it can be properly funded,” he said.
Inspector Fiorentino said police were pushing for more staff but were competing for resources at a state level.
Family violence adviser Acting Sergeant Julie Reilly said domestic violence increases in Melton and Wyndham were among the highest in the state.
“Wyndham police have a designated family violence unit, which is responsible solely for attending all family violence reports,” she said.
“The members who work in this unit are dedicated to investigating family violence and can provide advice to other members.”
Melton’s deputy family violence liaison officer, Chris Hughes, said such a unit would enable better handling of more complex family violence matters.
Melton MP Don Nardella, who last year supported calls for the creation of a dedicated unit, has launched a study into the causes, effects and possible legislative changes relating to violence against women and children.
“I’m particularly concerned with the high rates of family violence in Melbourne’s west and the apparent lack of community services,” he said.
Earlier this month, Melton Council made a submission to a state government family violence action plan.
The submission said children’s rights need to be represented more visibly and that universal access to services should be made an “urgent priority”.
It also stressed that a family violence unit was especially needed in Melton.
Western Metropolitan Greens MP Colleen Hartland said family violence was the leading contributor of death, disability and illness for Victorian women under 45 and the leading cause of homelessness.
“We desperately need police officers dedicated to family violence response stationed throughout the western suburbs.”
Inspector Fiorentino said the next police allocation would be announced before the end of the financial year.
