More training needed for NT emergency services staff to tackle family violence crisis

FAMILY violence training is to become mandatory for all police, fire and emergency services staff

NT Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw says emergency services staff need more training to tackle the Territory’s family violence issues. PICTURE: Katrina Bridgeford

FAMILY violence training is to become mandatory for all police, fire and emergency services staff.

The announcement from NTPFES Commissioner Reece Kershaw at Saturday night’s White Ribbon Black Tie Ball is acknowledgment the current training regimen is not fit to adequately tackle the Territory’s horrendous family violence issues.

It comes after coroner Greg Cavanagh said the problem in Aboriginal communities was “out of control” and called for governments and police to think of new approaches outside the criminal justice system, which he said too often failed vulnerable Aboriginal women.

The NT News understands Mr Kershaw wants to see ­action on the training program before the end of the year, but details are scarce.

Mr Kershaw said there were 75,000 family violence incidents in the Territory in the last three years, while the 1096 police referrals to support services in 2015-16 was a 231 per cent increase on the previous year.

“Domestic and Family Violence in the NT is complex and features deep-rooted issues that requires concentrated and continued efforts for change,” he said.

“We are the only jurisdiction with mandatory reporting and whilst we are seeing increases, this can be seen as a positive sign that there is more community confidence to report, however the prevalence of offending is alarming.”

Mr Kershaw said he supported a Violent Offender Register to allow police to declare and monitor the worst and repeat offenders.

Coroner Mr Cavanagh recommended a form of register last week in handing down findings into the deaths of domestic violence victims Kwementyaye McCormack and Kwementyaye Murphy.

He also called for alternate intervention programs, faster court processes and body-worn cameras on police.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner, who is also Police Minister, said he met with Mr Kershaw to discuss the legislation surrounding a register.

“We’re extremely concerned about family violence,” he said

“It’s obviously not a new problem but there always seems to be another alarming statistic that puts it into light.

“The coroner has given some really powerful testimony about what we can do in this space.”