Family violence: Don't suffer in silence

By Simon Ruppert

Sep 15, 2020

Victims of family violence should not suffer in silence because of COVID-19.

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That’s the message from local police, who are urging victims to report violence and take the steps they need to stay safe.

Victoria Police launched Operation Ribbon earlier this year in response to predictions of an increase in family violence because of pandemic restrictions.

While police had made operational changes during the pandemic, Detective Senior Sergeant Costakis Costa said the priority was to keep people safe from violence.

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“The restrictions put in place by the Chief Health Officer (CHO) should not be a consideration when reporting violence or keeping yourself safe,” he said.

“If you are a victim of violence or you suspect someone is a victim of violence, we want to know about it, and we want to know now.

“Police asking a few more questions and using more protective equipment are the only things that have changed.

“We still have the same dedicated staff responding to family violence.

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“The response time and how they respond has not changed.

“Emergency accommodation is still available and legislative responses will still be implemented to hold perpetrators to account.”

Det Sen-Sgt Costa said people may be avoiding reporting violence, so they did not take police resources away from the pandemic response.“Please don’t wait until the end of restrictions to report violence,” he said.

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“Police are ready, willing and able to respond.

“I want to quell the misinformation that people could be fined for keeping themselves safe.

“This is not a one or the other situation.

“We can deal with the pandemic and keep people safe from violence.

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“If you’re acting to protect yourself from violence, the CHO’s restrictions will take a back seat to ensuring your safety.”

Reporting the extended forms of violence were also important to report, Det Sen-Sgt Costa said.

“Breaches of orders, harassing phone calls and text messages or unwanted contact on social media should be reported.

“You don’t have to wait for the absolute worst type of violence before you make a report.

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“We want to know about the other stuff so we can stop it getting worse.