Acting Sergeant Sue Miller, front, with Constable Mark Pohlner and Constable Courtney Long from the Brimbank Family Violence Support
By Laura Wakely
BRIMBANK Family Violence Support Team members walk a fine line between personal and professional.
It’s one of the qualities Acting Sergeant Susanne Miller tries to instil on each of the officers who spends time in the unit, which has been in operation since October 2006.
Four uniform police officers rotate through the unit on a two or three month basis, responding to family violence incidents across Brimbank.
It’s a stressful job, something Act Sgt Miller can attest to, having been in the team for four years.
“When I started in this unit, you had lots of shifts where not a lot happened, but that’s rarely the case these days,” Act Sgt Miller said.
“It’s just full on. I would suggest that’s because there’s a lot of advertising on TV, there’s things in place where victims can see they have options.”
While the trend is increasing in victims reporting family violence incidents to police (there were 2580 reports in 2010-2011 across Brimbank and Melton compared to 1955 in 2006-2007), there are barriers that still exist.
“They feel… it’s embarrassing, it’s intimidating,” she said.
“I can understand that.
“I’ve found that if you engage them and give them professional, good customer service, it empowers them.”
Each day at work is made up of responding to Triple-zero calls where family violence is occurring, and where children are usually involved.
The team is supported by referral services like Women’s Health West, as well as community groups like the Taylors Lakes Lions Club who donate teddy bears and toys for the kids and local quilters groups who make blankets that bring warmth to victims.
Some victims are strong enough to come into the Keilor Downs Police Station, sometimes before the physical abuse has started, when they have been intimidated and are scared.
Other times, the victims have obvious physical signs – they can be bloody, battered and bruised.
“There are a few incidents that stick in your mind, you’re only human,” Act Sgt Miller said.
“You try and behave as professionally as you can, but at the same time, be sensitive and caring enough so that the victim and the children understand that we’re there to help.
“We can’t get emotionally involved, you’d just go insane.”
But it’s obvious she’s passionate about breaking the cycle of violence.
“For a lot of people there’s a perception that being beaten in the street is worse than being bashed by your partner,” she said.
“I think it’s worse for someone to be beaten up by someone who is supposed to love and respect you in a place where you’re supposed to be safe.”
Her most important message is to anyone still living in fear, in pain and in desperation.
“They’re not alone,” Act Sgt Miller said.
“It’s (family violence) unacceptable and we can help them to do something about it.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence contact the Brimbank Family Violence Support Team on 9365 3333 or, in an emergency, contact Triple-zero.
Women’s Health West offer support for adults and children affected by family violence on 9689 9588.
