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Domestic violence: urgent inquiry needed into police turning on women victims
Sunday 17 December 2006
Greens MP and justice spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is urging the Police Minister John Watkins to conduct an urgent review into the cases profiled in today's Sun Herald that show NSW Police are protecting the male perpetrators of domestic violence by arresting and then charging their female victims.
"To be a victim of domestic violence is shocking, but having the police then turn on you and treat you as a criminal must be devastating", said Ms Rhiannon.
"This disturbing trend, both here and in the US, further victimises women.
"A NSW Ombudsman's report this week confirmed that police, 'struggle to determine if domestic violence has occurred, and if so, who is the aggressor'.
"The Minister for Police needs to make sure the NSW Police receive urgent training and assessment tools to help them identify who is the real perpetrator.
"While domestic violence is complex, the Police Minister has no excuse if he fails to take action to be address this appalling trend.
"Research suggests men who perpetrate domestic violence can be very smart in using police to help turn the legal system against women.
"When police arrive at a scene following a violent incident a woman is often highly distressed. This leaves her vulnerable to having the tables turned on her by the male perpetrator.
"NSW Police should to be better trained to identify such situations and avoid falling into the perpetrator's trap.
"These case studies confirm the Ombudsman's findings that many complaints are made because domestic violence incidents are not being properly investigated by police, or any action taken at all.
"Obviously male female relations still baffle some police and as a consequence justice is not being served.
"Domestic violence against women is increasing in NSW, with the Ombudsman showing a 50 percent rise over the past eight years.
"For a start, the government must immediately establish a dedicated Domestic Violence Unit in NSW Police and appoint at least one full-time Domestic Violence Liaison Officer to each Local Area Command," Ms Rhiannon said.
For more information: Lee Rhiannon - 0427 861 568
17/12/06
