Six specially-trained NSW Police Domestic Violence Liaison positions will be upgraded to enhance capabilities as NSW Police continue to target and disrupt this insidious crime, NSW Police say.
Central Metropolitan Region Commander and NSW Police Corporate Spokesperson for Domestic Violence, Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton APM, announced the six Sergeant positions at a biennial Domestic Violence Liaison Officer Conference in Sydney this morning tomorrow.
The two-day conference provides an opportunity for the state's 140 Domestic Violence Liaison Officers (DVLOs) to come together and learn new skills.
DVLOs will gain greater insight on the perpetrator-accountability model, technology-facilitated abuse, implications of family law on domestic violence and an update on the role of victim services.
In addition, DVLOs will gain further knowledge about the connection between animal abuse and domestic violence and stalking and family violence which will enhance the overall response to domestic and family violence.
Assistant Commissioner Walton said the education and training of officers is paramount for them to properly deal with issues of domestic and family violence.
"Domestic violence is one of the most challenging areas of policing; it can be a job that is emotionally charged and emotionally draining," Assistant Commissioner Walton said.
"Our workload has increased dramatically and we are focused on equipping our officers with the skills and expertise needed to support victims and target offenders.
"Police and government programs, such as ADVO Compliance Checks, have resulted in the detection and deterrence of offenders and better protection of victims," Assistant Commissioner Walton said.
Since 1 May 2017, 1544 offenders have been targeted with more than 40 breaches detected.
The expansion of the Domestic Violence Suspect Target Management Plan (DVSTMP II) across the state has resulted in 325 domestic violence offences detected and 1404 other offences detected between January and July 2017.
In addition, Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Teams (DV HROT) operating in Central Metropolitan (CM) Region, Northern Region and South West Metropolitan (SWM) Region continue to target the most dangerous offenders.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Pru Goward, said the work of police in engaging the community contributes to greater public awareness.
"The wonderful NSW Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officers are there every day, supporting the victims of domestic and family violence with sensitivity and compassion, and this Government greatly appreciates the work they do," Minister Goward said.
Minister for Police, Troy Grant, said today’s announcement recognises the importance of specialist domestic violence positions within the NSW Police Force.
"The government fast-tracked the delivery of 24 Domestic Violence Liaison Officers in response to a growing need for more targeted disruption of domestic violence, and ongoing support for the victims of this heinous crime," Minister Grant said.
"By upgrading six DVLO positions, the invaluable work of these specially-trained professionals is recognised, and our police stand ready and resourced to continue their fight against domestic and family violence."
