Victoria Police is set to follow in the footsteps of the new Andrews government, committing itself to appointing its first Assistant Commissioner for Domestic Violence, following the assignment of Northcote MP Fiona Richardson as Victoria’s first Minister for Prevention of Family Violence.
New Crime Data shows that domestic violence offenses accounted for almost half the number of crimes against the person, increasing by 14.4% in the 12 months leading up to September 2014. The designation of Victoria’s Assistant Commissioner for Domestic Violence is a response to the surge in family violence related incidences and an increased awareness from the community as to the extent of the issue.
Crime Data statistics indicated a staggering total of 21,848 family violence assaults over those 12 months, equating to approximately 60 incidences per day. This figure was trumped by the number of intervention order breaches reported to police.
News of the appointment of MP Richardson as Minister for Prevention of Family Violence was shared with Premier Andrews’ pledge to establish a royal commission into family violence, with the Premier labelling the issue as a ‘national emergency’.
Whilst the new role within Victoria Police is still being finalised, further details are expected to be released to the public shortly.
Family violence plays a major role in couple separating and also divorce. If you or someone you know in Melbourne is involved in a separation involving violence, have good representation from a family lawyer in Melbourne is even more important due to the potential volatility in the situation. So contact us for advice today.
Sources:
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-to-appoint-new-assistant-commissioner-for-family-violence-20141205-1217sw.html
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Rowan Skinner is a highly skilled family lawyer with over 35 years of experience across various legal roles and jurisdictions. Rowan specialises in resolving family law disputes such as divorce, financial settlements, child custody and domestic violence cases. Through his diverse and extensive experience, Rowan has a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in family law. Rowan is a skilled negotiator and litigator who follows a compassionate and client-focused approach which prioritises helping you navigate what can be an emotional and challenging time.