Domestic Violence Liaison Committee member Sylvie Munson said the 52 recorded incidents in the 12 months to September 2019 were worrying given the number of programs and services available to tackle the issue, but said her concern is that there are many more cases not being reported.
‘‘Domestic violence is probably the most understated number in any crime report, and would only be a few of the actual incidences,’’ Mrs Munson said.
‘‘These numbers would only record the physical abuse, and only those which are reported to police, and would not include those who are mentally abused.
‘‘While it is hard to attribute the increase of nine from the previous year to any one particular cause, we know that alcohol and drugs and financial stress are contributing factors. And of course mental health is the big one.’’
Mrs Munson said the release of the Bureau of Crime Statistics report this year is a timely reminder to anyone who is being mentally or physically abused that there is help available.
‘‘The latest project we are working on as a committee is in supporting local service providers who may come in to contact with someone who is experiencing domestic violence,’’ Mrs Munson said.
‘‘We train them on how to react, to support their client and provide them with a range of materials they can provide with pathways on how someone can seek help.
‘‘These key people in our community are being supported by a range of clinicians.
‘‘We also still use napkins and coasters as a way of getting the necessary information out there to the people that need it.
‘‘This community is amazing in that we have a unique network of agencies and business working together to tackle this issue.’’
Crime statistics increased in six of the 17 of the major offences recorded in the 2019 report.
Domestic violence increased from 43 to 52, break and enter of a dwelling increased from 29 to 52, car thefts increased from six to 10, theft from a retail store increased from 18 to 25, theft from a home increased from 29 to 41, fraud cases increased from 33 to 37 and there was one robbery with a firearm recorded in 2019 as opposed to zero in 2018.
The largest crime statistics reduction was in malicious damage, which reduced from 107 to 78. Reductions were also recorded for non domestic violence assault (37 to 25), sexual assault (13 to 7), indecent assault (12 to 9) and steal from motor vehicle (43 to 41).
The Domestic Violence Liaison Committee will hold its first meeting of the year at Intereach on March 11, from midday. Mrs Munson said anyone wishing to be involved or learn more is invited to attend.
■ Anyone experiencing domestic violence is encouraged to reach out to Intereach for support on 1300 488 226, or the 24 hour Domestic Violence Crisis Counselling Service on 1800 656 463. In an emergency, contact 000.