By Tate Papworth
Brimbank police efforts to stamp out family violence have been given a significant boost – 14 additional family violence specialists.
Police Minister Lisa Neville joined Victoria Police deputy commissioner Rick Nugent to announce the 2019-20 police allocation for the state. Brimbank will get five additional general duties officers as well as the 14 specialists.
Ms Neville said the specialists were needed, given the prevalence of family violence incidents.
“Family violence is Victoria’s No.1 law and order issue – which is why we’re training even more officers with the skills they need to respond,” she said.
“We’re seeing a relentless focus by police on crime and community safety, with record numbers of arrests, a decreasing crime rate and stronger community policing – but there’s still more to do.”
The ability of police to respond to family violence incidents will be further bolstered with the establishment of a new dedicated training centre.
Deputy commissioner Rick Nugent said the centre, which will be based at the Victoria Police Academy, would also aid police in providing support to family violence victims.
“The latest crime statistics show police attended more than 79,000 [family violence] incidents across the state in 2018, an increase of more than three per cent compared to the previous year,” he said. “Behind each statistic is someone whose life has been profoundly impacted.
“The new centre will ensure officers at all ranks are better equipped with the capabilities and confidence to support some of our most vulnerable community members and hold perpetrators to account.
“The training will provide police officers with specialised and evidence-based training to improve their understanding of the complexities of family violence and keep victims at the centre of their response.”
Brimbank recorded the seventh highest number of family violence incidents in Victoria in the year to June, 2018. Between July, 2017, and June last year, Victoria Police recorded 2065 family violence incidents in Brimbank.
