BRINGING down the rates of domestic violence and stopping the cycle remains a top priority for Leeton police.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Now, they have a new tool in their armour in the fight against this scourge in the form of Senior Constable Rachael Sellers, who is the new Murrumbidgee Domestic Violence operative.
Senior Constable Sellers is based in Leeton and her role centres not just on victims of domestic violence, but also perpetrators - bringing them to justice, prevention and education about their behaviour.
The role itself covers a broad scope, with Senior Constable Sellers working hand-in-hand with the Murrumbidgee's Crime Prevention Unit.
"My role has evolved, but predominantly it is around supporting victims of domestic violence, engaging them with services," she said.
MORE NEWS:
"We recognise as police we can only do so much. We can enforce AVOs, lay charges, but its the services in the community that really help fill that gap.
"So, as long as there is that link for victims, that's really important. So, I provide that link for them."
The position also involves Senior Constable Sellers working with "repeat victims and perpetrators" and really digging deep to find out why that is the case.
She attends court throughout the region, working with the police prosecutor and also takes on come of the more complex domestic violence matters, particularly those that involve children.
All of this assists general duties officers in Leeton to focus on other areas of crime, but the team do all work together.
The role was one that District Inspector Justin Cornes pushed for to have based here in Leeton.
He said it was crucial work in this area continued to move forward to assist those affected.
Domestic violence is one of the main calls police in areas such as Leeton attend to every day.
"We do have a lot of domestic violence here, but we're aiming to drill down on what's happening in each and every situation," Senior Constable Sellers said.
"It's about stopping the cycle and getting the appropriate help for everyone.
"We have come such a long way, but there is still a long road ahead. We want people to come to us.
"A big part of our messaging is also about how there's 'no such thing as an innocent bystander'. Anyone can report domestic violence and we encourage that."
Part of the job is also about making contacts and checking in on victims, as well as perpetrators before an incident occurs.
It is all part of this idea of working with the community and educating people that domestic violence should not be accepted as being "normal".
"We have come a long way, but there's still so much work to be done, Senior Constable Sellers said.