Bigger effort needed to stop scourge of domestic violence

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Greg Warren with his Labor colleague and prevention of domestic violence spokesperson Jenny Aitchison.
Much more needs to be done: local MP Greg Warren with his Labor colleague and prevention of domestic violence spokesperson Jenny Aitchison, in Campbelltown yesterday.

Recent data from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research shows 875 domestic violence related assault incidents were reported from July 2016 to June 2017 in the Campbelltown area.

Campbelltown is ranked 35th in the State, but the actual numbers are among the top five in the state.

Yesterday, Labor’s prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault spokesperson Jenny Aitchison, along with Campbelltown MP Greg Warren and Federal MP Dr Mike Freelander, met with members of Campbelltown Domestic Violence Committee.

Local police, the Women’s Domestic Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS), clubs, health departments at state and federal level and non-government and community organisations are represented on the committee.

The need for significantly more funding to frontline service providers and an increase in prevention and perpetrator behaviour change programs was highlighted during the meeting.

A joint project between WDVCAS and Campbelltown Catholic Club to supply duress alarms to women escaping violence by staying in their home was highlighted as an example of best practice where businesses can support the chronically underfunded sector.

Speaking afterward, Ms Aitchison said it was “crucial that the government was properly funding the services that people needed when they attempted to escape domestic violence.

“It’s time that the NSW Liberal Government provided the support that is needed to help victims of domestic violence.

“This is the most important and most effective form of long term preventative action to stop intergenerational family violence,’’ she said.

Mr Warren said there were too many people in our community suffering the trauma of intergenerational family violence.

“We must do everything we can to help them,’’ he said.

“It’s been incredibly valuable bringing together the shadow minister and many of our front-line services and local people to talk about domestic violence in our community,’’ he said.

domestic violence
Federal Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander, will be one of the guest speakers at a Zonta Club of Macarthur dinner function on Wednesday, November 22 to support the elimination of violence against women. Dr Freelander will provide an update on local refuge services. Venue is Wests Leagues Club. Cost: $30 per person for the two course dinner and tea/coffee Bookings: Phone 0421 014 684 or 96057007, 9605 6051 or email macarthur@zontadistrict24.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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