Love, children, financial dependence, a fear of not being believed – these are just some of the factors that make domestic violence such a difficult crime for police to solve.
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“There are so many conflicting interests and emotions,” Central Hunter domestic violence team leader Sergeant Amanda Blake said.
“Domestic violence isn’t black and white. It’s not a straight forward crime.”
Sergeant Blake was one of six domestic violence team leaders appointed across NSW in early October to areas with high rates of domestic violence.
In the 12 months to June 2017, there were almost 800 reported domestic assaults in Cessnock and Maitland.
Sergeant Blake leads a team of five – two domestic violence liaison officers who work with victims, an operative focused on high-risk offenders, and an arrest team made up of two general duties officers based solely on domestic violence incidents.
As a team, the officers work to prevent recidivism, catch offenders and support victims, but it’s no easy task.
“Until someone is ready to report, we are restricted,” Sergeant Blake said.
“The hardest thing for victims to do is walk through that door. Often we see people when they’re in crisis mode.”
“It’s a massive thing to say ‘my relationship isn’t working’ and admit you’re a victim.”
Add to that the difficulty to prove emotional or psychological abuse, and the cycle of violence which sees children grow up to become offenders or victims, and it becomes almost impossible to control.
But Sergeant Blake said the team was passionate about the issue, and were determined to help.
“It is a crime, and we take it very seriously,” she said. “If you ask for help, we’ll give it to you.”
Sergeant Blake also said the team was lucky to work with great support services such as Carrie’s Place, the Department of Housing and Relationships Australia to offer a holistic approach to the problem.
“There are things available now that were never available 20 years ago.”
- If you or someone you know is suffering domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732)