Further support for victims of domestic and family violence is now available in the Murray River Police District.
The Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service and NSW Police co-location pilot has been expanded from Albury to Deniliquin and will see a specialist Domestic Violence support workers available via audio visual link.
The initiative aims to improve the experience of victim-survivors who attend police stations, increase the number of victims who report to police, and streamline their access to safety and support.
Murray River Police District Chief Inspector Paul Huggett said this provides additional specialist help in addition to NSW Police domestic violence liaison officers.
"We know domestic and family violence is a very complex and sensitive issue in our community. This program has been running since February and this additional support from the Women's Domestic Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) has assisted women break the cycle of domestic and family violence," Chief Inspector Huggett said.
" We are encouraging any women over the age of 16 who needs to report domestic and family violence, to know they can access this important specialist service at their local police station in Deniliquin,"
Linking Communities Network Ltd Deputy CEO Kirrilly Salvestro said the initiative is a game changer.
"This opportunity for victim survivors to get AVL support from specialist domestic violence practitioners in a timely manner can mean the difference between following through with an often-traumatic process to have perpetrators held to account," Mrs Salvestro said.
"The support from NSW Police and WDVCAS will be a game changer in some lives, and increase awareness and services available to women survivors of domestic and family violence."
Since January 2024, a face-to-face service from the Women's Domestic Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) has been available at Albury police Station.
