LOCAL POLICE will join local communities to take a stand to help end violence against women at White Ribbon events across NSW today (Friday, November 25).
NSW Police officers will take an oath to tackle domestic and family violence in support of an international cause to end violence against women for White Ribbon Day.
NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione is calling on everyone in the community to take the White Ribbon pledge to ‘stand up, speak out and act’ to prevent men’s violence against women.
“Domestic and family violence is a crime that does not discriminate; it affects people from all walks of life and spans the entire geography of this state,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“It’s a crime that continues to dominate police time, with officers responding to more than 145,000 domestic-related incidents over the last 12 months.
“We have also seen 32 domestic-related homicides this year in NSW, to date.
“These deaths are tragic and unacceptable, and why we all, as a community, must come together for events like White Ribbon Day to reaffirm our ongoing commitment to preventing violence of any kind.”
White Ribbon is an International male-led campaign to end violence against women, which originated in Canada in 1991, and is now active in more than 60 countries.
The campaign aims to recognise the positive role men play in preventing violence against women.
“It is important to remember that domestic violence does not only mean physical assaults; psychological, mental and emotional abuse that intimidates or coerces a person is also a form of violence,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“It remains clear that a significant number of incidents still go unreported, which is something we must change. Unfortunately, we can’t take action if we don’t know someone needs help.”
“That’s why this week the NSW Police, in conjunction with Crime Stoppers NSW, have launched a ‘No Innocent Bystanders’ video campaign that calls on the community to speak up against domestic violence,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“If you witness domestic violence, if you’ve noticed the behaviour of a family member, friend or colleague, change or if you have concerns for the welfare of someone in your neighbourhood, please pick up the phone and report that information to Crime Stoppers.
“Most importantly, when you come forward to make a report you can remain anonymous, and the details you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“Never underestimate the significant role you can play in addressing the scourge of domestic and family violence; what you know could save someone’s life.”
This year NSW Police have also expanded the Domestic Violence Suspect Target Management Plan (DVSTMP II) across the state after a successful trial in 2015.
In addition, the first Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Team (DV HROT) trial has been launched, which comprises a dedicated team of officers who are targeting the most dangerous offenders across the Central Metropolitan Region.
“These are just some examples of the positive changes we’ve seen in effectively addressing domestic violence and holding the offenders accountable for their actions,” Commissioner Scipione said.
“Both DV STMP and DV HROT are about proactively managing high-risk offenders by monitoring their behaviour, ensuring compliance of protection orders and preventing future incidents of violence.”
Police across the state will wear or display white ribbons, and take part in local events throughout the week in support of White Ribbon Day.
“Wearing a white ribbon sends an important message: there is no excuse for violence against women,” Commissioner Scipione said.
White Ribbon Day also marks the start of 16 Days of Activism – an international campaign calling for an end to violence against women, concluding on International Human Rights Day on Saturday, December 10.
For further information about White Ribbon Day, including where you can purchase ribbons and how you can show your support, visit www.whiteribbon.org.au.
Police across NSW will be involved with numerous events for White Ribbon Day. For more details on events in your community, please contact the relevant Local Area Command.
Police are urging anyone with information about domestic-violence crimes to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
If you, or anyone you know has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732); a 24-hour, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line.