*If you are in immediate danger call 000.
THERE are many parts to family violence and whilst there is still room to learn as new research is released, it’s definitely an area that has taken remarkable steps of improvement compared to decades past.
“There is a much greater understanding of family violence,” Bass Coast Family Violence Division Sergeant Fawcett explained.
“Compared to 20-30 years ago, there are a lot more services and procedures in place to support affected family members and victim-survivors of family violence. There is also a much greater understanding of how to approach matters of family violence.
“It’s not an exact science, it’s not black and white – there is not always an offender and a victim.
“In some situations, it is about intervening and speaking with both parties and finding out how we can assist them,” Sgt Fawcett said, noting the answer is “not always IVOs and arrests”.
There are certainly situations that call for significant intervention, whether that be intervention orders (IVO) or arresting one party if offences have been committed, but as Sgt Fawcett explained when the Sentinel-Times sat down in conversation, there are many factors.
“We are all aware of what can happen, locally, nationally and worldwide, unfortunately,” Sgt Fawcett stated.
The number one principal offence subgroup in both Bass Coast and South Gippsland for the 2024 year was breaches of family violence orders, jumping up 21 per cent to 314 (up from 258 last year) in Bass Coast, and rising 18 per cent from 166 to 196 in South Gippsland.
“For many years, family violence has been underreported,” Acting Inspector Bass Coast LAC Jason Hullick said.
“It’s a crime that has traditionally been behind ‘closed doors’ and family victims have either been afraid, or embarrassed, or feel nothing could be done, to come forward.
“The (recent) figures are disappointing, but we also look at those figures and see we have come a long way, that people are more comfortable and courageous in reporting family violence to us.
“We have made a lot of inroads, especially since the Royal Commission, and have put a lot of work into family violence reporting.
“Family victims should feel confident they will be supported when family violence is reported; that we will hold perpetrators to account.”
Undertaking a risk assessment and appropriately supporting both parties is crucial for Sgt Fawcett and his team.
“We go in with a clean slate – what has happened for police to be called?
“We really try to work with the affected family member/victim-survivor and help them achieve the right resolution for them.”
Working closely not just with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing but also with Orange Door and Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA), the Family Violence Division ensures affected parties are linked with the correct support networks.
“Linking parties with these networks is often the best way to assist. We have had great success in the past where we have responded to an incident, engaged both parties, linked the parties in through our reports, and we have never heard from either party again."
Determined to change the rising statistics and not shying away from the extremity of situations they are faced with it is clear Sgt Fawcett and his team want what is best for those who find themselves in a family violence situation.
“We want people to know that we are always here if something happens – we will help.
“Wonthaggi Police Station is manned 24/7, people can attend in person or call. The earlier we are engaged, the earlier we can assist.
“We also rely on the victim-survivor trusting us and disclosing information. We understand it can be difficult, but it is crucial for us to understand the whole picture. We cannot force people to tell us what they don’t want to.”
Guided by what is disclosed and what is seen, the Family Violence Division acknowledges that in certain circumstances they do have to make the tough calls.
“If that means that we take out an IVO on behalf of the victim-survivor, despite the victim-survivor's wishes, we have a duty of care to ensure the protection of all parties, particularly when there are warning flags. Sometimes the parties have no choice, our hand is forced by the law.”
Stepping inside a police station or making the call can be difficult; there is no denying the strength it takes.
“We understand it can be difficult to make the first step for victim-survivors, and we want those in our community who are faced with situations of domestic and family violence to know they can approach us. It’s a giant step to take, and we understand much can change once you say something. There are many factors that can contribute to situations."
Sgt Fawcett noted that whilst some people come forward early, for other victim-survivors it can take years.
“We want to help people facing family violence. We want victim-survivors to know that they can come to us, things have changed.
“Victims can also directly refer to Orange Door.”
Whilst Sgt Fawcett admits the system is not flawless, and there is still a way to go in protecting victims, particularly in instances where bail is given after multiple breaches of intervention orders, he is keen to get the message out “Bass Coast police are here to help.”
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger contact 000.
Family Violence Support:
Safe Steps 24/7: 1800 015 188, webchat available 9am - midnight Monday to Friday.
1800 Respect, National domesic, family and sexual violence counselling service: 1800 737 732
The Orange Door: orangedoor.vic.gov.au
Gippsland CASA, Sexual Assult Crisis Line: 1800 806 292
The Salvation Army: salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/family-and-domestic-violence/find-help-for-domestic-violence/
Anglicare: anglicarevic.org.au/our-services/family-violence
Seniors Rights Victoria: 1300 368 821, 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
Men's Referral Service, 24/7: 1300 766 491, 24/7
Yarning SafeNStrong, 24/7: 1800 959 563
