By KATH GANNAWAY
THE latest Victoria Police crime statistics reveal 1790 family violence incident reports in Maroondah and Yarra Ranges in 2011/2012, up from 598 in 2010/2011 – a 199 per cent increase.
Most of those assaults occurred against women, in the home and by a current or previous intimate partner.
The Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service (WDVCS) and Victoria Police are encouraging victims of domestic violence to take advantage of crime prevention strategies which enable them to feel safe in their own homes.
Leading Senior Constable Linda Hancock works with families in the Yarra Ranges and said family violence made up a huge proportion of the incidents police attend.
“Given the prevalence and seriousness of family violence in the community it is essential that victims know their options and where to seek help,” she said.
Part of her role is to help victims feel safe in their home by taking simple steps such as changing locks, installing security cameras and emergency call buttons, and creating safe rooms.
She said police were often the first point of contact for victims of family violence crimes and that it was important to recognise that family violence was preventable.
Police support played a vital role in helping Yarra Ranges resident Jeannie Blackburn bring assault charges against her partner which led to a five-year prison sentence in 2010.
As a survivor of family violence, Ms Blackburn said the right to feel safe in her own home had been imperative in trying to get on with her life.
“It’s a fundamental human right that every woman and child feels safe, whether it’s on the street, in the work place, at school, or in their own homes,” she said.
“Sadly, many women are more at risk of serious injury or death at the hands of an intimate partner than a stranger on the street,” she said.
Ms Blackburn said even many years after a violent and abusive domestic relationship, survivors can struggle to ever feel truly safe.
“They might take steps to free themselves from their abuser, but they are constantly looking over their shoulder.
“The feeling of safety can ebb away each time you have to move house, go into refuge or change your phone number.”
She encouraged other victims of domestic violence to contact their local crime prevention officer, saying help was there for them.
“It was very comforting to have Leading Senior Constable Hancock visit me at home and go through all the steps to make sure I could feel safe in my own home,” she said.
“It makes a world of difference knowing there is someone out there to help you.”
Victims of domestic violence in Victoria can access support by calling the WDVCS 24/7 crisis line number on 1800 015 188 (toll free) or 9322 3555.
