A major community forum this month will have a message for victims of domestic violence: You’re not alone.
Melton police will take part in the free forum, hosted by the Melton New and Emerging Communities Network on September 23, to inform residents of their options and raise awareness about family violence in the community.
“Family violence is a huge issue that hits a chord with everyone,” network acting secretary Nib De Santis said.
“We’ve all seen the headlines, all heard about a young boy murdered by his father, a woman in Sunshine murdered by an ex-partner. It needs to stop.”
Recent police figures reveal a 4.3 per cent jump in assaults, including family violence, in Melton in the three months to August.
Reported offences rose from 1172 in the previous three months to 1222.
“We’re receiving about 30 calls a week, on average, although the numbers fluctuate,” Melton police family violence team’s Acting Sergeant Luke Bristow said.
“And that’s just the number of incidents reported.”
Acting Sergeant Bristow said drugs were a common denominator in domestic abuse.
“We’re finding methamphetamine [ice] is behind a lot of these situations. It’s a huge concern.”
The Family Violence team comprises a sergeant and two police members, who mostly deal with recidivist offenders.
“Our role is to manage the recidivist offenders and victims, look after juvenile victims and work out if the appropriate criminal and civil actions are being taken,” Acting Sergeant Bristow said.
“We deal with a lot of intervention orders and we direct victims to support services such as Women’s Health West or Centrelink.
“We also receive calls from health organisations like Djerriwarrh Health Services.”
Acting Sergeant Bristow said the forum was about keeping people informed of their options.
“We need to acknowledge there are issues there … but people need to know they have a choice, that there are help and services out there,” he said.
The forum will include guest speakers such as Melton MP Don Nardella and representatives of Women’s Health West, Melton police, Brimbank-Melton Community Legal Centre, and Aboriginal FV Prevention & Legal Services.
The public is also invited to ask questions. “Even if they [victims] don’t want to come to police, there’s always another place they can go,” Acting Sergeant Bristow said. “We don’t want victims feeling they have nowhere to turn. They aren’t alone.”
The forum is at Melton library in McKenzie Street from 6pm on Tuesday, September 23. For more information call 9743 9825.
