“THE difference between a family that endures years of fear and untold damage due to family violence, and one that recovers from the effects of this crime can be a sensitive and effective response by Victoria Police,” … former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Simon Overland.
The Victoria Police Code of Practice for the Investigation of Family Violence was instigated in 2004 and the then police chief’s statement is part of the foreword of the revised code launched by him in December 2010.
The 50-page document covers police response from initial police action through risk assessment and management, criminal and civil options, referral, and monitoring and accountability.
Code 1.3 states police have three main functions in responding to family violence:
• Provide safety and support to those involved.
• Identify and investigate incidents of family violence and prosecute persons accused of criminal offences arising from family violence.
• Assist in the prevention and deterrence of family violence in the community by responding to family violence appropriately.
Code 1.5 states “At its core family violence is a violation of human rights and is unacceptable in any community or culture.”
It identifies the key determinants and contributing factors to the perpetration of violence against women as:
• Unequal power relations between women and men,
• Adherence to rigid gender stereotypes, and
• Broader cultures of violence.
Code 2.3 states: Police will respond to and take action on any family violence incident reported to them, regardless of who made the report and how it was made. The action taken is based on risk assessment and risk management, regardless of whether the affected family member makes a verbal complaint or written statement.
The Code of Practice for the investigation of Family Violence is available on the Victoria Police website www.police.vic.gov.au – Community Violence – Family Violence.
