LEETON Neighbourhood Watch chairman Mark Norvall believes domestic violence is the biggest crime issue facing the shire.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The statistics appear to back up that statement from Mr Norvall, with 60 reported domestic violence incidents in Leeton in the 12 months to June this year. However, Mr Norvall said there would be many cases of domestic violence that weren’t reported to police.
“I can tell you police in Leeton respond to more calls reporting domestic violence than anything else,” he said. “It’s a huge problem in our shire.
“It’s certainly not something that just happens in Leeton. It’s across the state.
“There would be many cases where people don’t go to the police. We want them to know they can and for neighbours to keep an eye out.” The 60 recorded incidents of domestic violence to the 12 months to June was slightly lower than the 67 reported in the previous 12-month period.
Staff at the Leeton Community Op Shop, which provides many social and welfare services, are in the process of re-establishing a committee in town to create awareness of domestic violence, as well as provide assistance to those affected.
Shop manager Jodie Ridge said many women suffered in silence. “It’s very concerning,” she said.
“I think things like (apprehended violence orders) are a waste of time and money for the courts and those affected. They don’t really do anything to help. The biggest thing is we need to start talking about it. This happens to both women and men in our shire.
“They shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. Hopefully (social services manager Narelle Weymouth) and others wanting to help can get a committee up and running again. People need to be supported and we need to create awareness.”
Griffith Local Area Command Detective Senior Constable Nicole Roberts, who is the domestic violence liaison officer for the region, said it was important for people to speak out.
“Often (they) feel nobody would believe them, they play it down to themselves sometimes,” she said.
“They don’t want to be the one who causes the break up in the family or the one who causing the police to be called. (However), that is not the situation it is the offender who is the one who is causing the police to be called. It is difficult and it is heartbreaking seeing that.”
Detective Roberts said offenders and victims could be anyone’s friend, family member or neighbour.
They’re not just stereotypical criminals, they can be well respected members of the community,” she said.
“Domestic violence crosses all social classes and levels of society.
“It is very difficult. You have to remember these domestic violence offences are being committed by someone the victim loves - generally the father to their children, their husband (or) someone who they have seen a very good side of.
“We would definitely recommend to go to police because then we know.
“It just means we are able to look in on their welfare.
“At least then police are able to offer the services that are available that aren’t police – the women’s refuge or domestic violence support people who do amazing work, but can only work with what they have got.”