By Laura Wakely
THERE were almost 4000 cases of reported domestic violence across the West in the past financial year.
Victoria Police records show 3980 incidents of domestic violence were reported from July 2010 to June 2011, with the Brimbank Police Service Area (PSA) at the top of the list with 3980.
The figures show an increase of 80 per cent in domestic violence across Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham.
Figures provided to Star also show that Derrimut, Point Cook and Werribee had the highest number of domestic violence incidents, with 625.
Keilor and Keilor North had the least with 20 cases.
There are currently two family violence units operating in the West, with one in Brimbank and one in Wyndham.
Wyndham has a sergeant and three staff members, while the Brimbank unit, based in Keilor Downs, has a sergeant and four dedicated staff.
Brimbank Acting Local Area Commander Paul Allison said the family violence units were always “very busy”.
“It’d be unsophisticated to say one or two things in isolation are causing it (increase in family violence),” Commander Allison said.
“It’s a very complex issue.
“We like to think one of the aspects that has led to increased reporting rate is that we’re doing our job better, we’re providing a better and more supportive service to those who are victims.”
When complaints are made, police pursue both an intervention order to prevent the offender contacting the victim, and a normal criminal investigation into the acts of family violence, which can include assault, intimidation or threats and property damage.
While it’s the family violence unit who are processing and handling these cases, Commander Allison said all police receive training and education in dealing with the issue from the academy through to ongoing programs and courses for sergeants and other ranking officers.
He called on more education for the community, victims and perpetrators, about what effect family violence can have on their loved ones and the community.
But he said police were only part of the response.
“Neighbours, family and friends, people who suspect or know that others are being subjected, need to take some action,” he said.
“They’re morally bound to take action, otherwise they’re part of the problem.
“Breaking the cycle. That’s what it’s all about.”
