Domestic violence rises across Northern Rivers

DOMESTIC violence incidents have increased throughout most of the Northern Rivers, especially in Byron and Tweed, where they are up more than 30%.

DOMESTIC violence incidents have increased throughout most of the Northern Rivers, especially in Byron and Tweed, where they are up more than 30%.

Byron had a 32.7% rise in reported incidents between October 2012 and September 2014, and Tweed had a 30.6% rise, according to NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

In Byron in the year to 2013, 107 incidents were recorded, and 142 in the year to 2014.

In Tweed, 310 incidents were recorded in the year to 2013, while 405 were recorded in the year to 2014.

The sharp rises could be due in part to increased reporting rates.

Northern Rivers Women and Children's Services manager Liz Gehring was not surprised by the statistics.

"I don't know what services are being offered or changes being made that would cause any real drop in domestic violence," Ms Gehring said.

"I also think many victims aren't aware of pathways where they can seek help," she said.

Ms Gehring, who works closely with Richmond Local Area Command, said Northern Rivers police were doing their best.

"We're in an area with high rates of domestic violence and their resources are being stretched all the time," she said.

On average 45.7% of incidents on the Northern Rivers involved alcohol and 85% of incidents were in the home.

In the Ballina Shire, Byron Shire, Kyogle Council, Lismore City, Richmond Valley and Tweed Shire local government areas, domestic violence hot spots were in Ballina, Banora Point, Casino, Byron Bay, Goonellabah, Lismore, Tweed Heads and Tweed Heads West.

Between October 2012 and September 2014, domestic assaults in Ballina rose 8.4%, Kyogle 12.5% and Lismore 3.5%, but Richmond Valley incidents dropped 1.5%.

In the same period, there was a 4% rise statewide, from 27,963 to 29,095 incidents.

Social services in disarray

AS domestic violence rates climb, social services in the Northern Rivers remain in disarray following Federal Government funding cuts.

Northern Rivers Women and Children's Services manager Liz Gehring said: "The sector is a mess and everyone is just trying to get back on their feet.

"We've got 15 months of funding left now. We're working closely with On Track (Community Programs) and the NSW Government to see what can be done.

"We're dealing with highly stressed, anxious, scared people, some with mental health and other issues. They need certainty and stability."

The 12-year National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022 focuses on prevention and early intervention schemes, but appears to have forgotten those already in crisis.