Miranda Police say ‘Domestic violence is everyone’s responsibility’

That’s the message from the new domestic violence team based out of Miranda Police Station.

It comes as statistics show that in 2015 there were 203 reported domestic violence assaulted in the Miranda Local Command.

There was also 101 apprehended violence order breaches.

Sergeant Kelly Donaghy leads the team and said domestic violence is everyone’s responsibility. 

‘’Domestic and family violence is not ok and it will never be ok,’’ she said.

‘’People should take the responsibility off themselves and give it to the police. 

‘’I believe as a citizen its your responsibility to report it if you see it.’’

Sergeant Donaghy said police had steps in place to make sure people could remain anonymous.

‘’If we have someone that wants to talk about their neighbour or a family member we don’t ever tell or make it obvious who made the initial contact with police,’’ she said.

‘’In unit blocks it’s easier to hear your neighbours and people are reluctant to report because they’re worried about reprisals.

‘’However, it might not even end up with an arrest sometimes it’s about talking to them or giving them a safe place to stay.’’

A big focus of the team will be being proactive rather than reactive.

‘’We want to target the offenders in a proactive response because before we would just wait until we get a phone call,’’ she said.

‘’Now we can respond even before we got that phone call to see what is happening and how can we help.

‘’We do a lot of referring to other services whether it be drugs and alcohol abuse or anger management.

‘’If they have resources early then maybe they won’t take it on to the next relationship.’’

It comes as Sutherland and St George police were chosen to trial a new pilot program where women and men who feel they are at risk of violence can check with police whether their partner has a violent past.

If successful, the program would be extended to other local area commands.