‘We need to do better’: New statistics show increase in domestic violence related assaults in the Territory
NEW police statistics show a shocking increase in the number of domestic violence related assaults reported to police in the Territory.
Northern Territory
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A SHOCKING 66 per cent of assaults across the Territory reported to police in the year to September were domestic violence related, according to new data.
NT Police Commander Matt Hollamby revealed this week that domestic violence related assaults were up a “distressing” 14.7 per cent in year-on-year crime statistics to September 30, with 66 per cent of total assaults reported related to domestic violence.
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In October Cdr Hollamby reported a 9 per cent increase in domestic violence related assaults in the year to August, with 65 per cent of assaults reported related to family violence.
Cdr Hollamby said the statistics were unacceptable and that a widespread community effort was needed to combat the issue.
“I think it’s fairly despicable that anyone can think assaulting a family member is okay,” he said.
“We do know that domestic violence can go up over the Christmas period, so it will be a topical issue and we need to do better.
“But also the community needs to respect that family are sacred, and they should not be assaulting their own family members.”
It comes a week after confronting and heartbreaking footage was released of an assault of an Aboriginal woman by a man at the Buffalo Creek boat ramp.
In the video, given to the Sunday Territorian, the pair who are understood to be under the influence of alcohol, argue and the woman is punched, falling to the ground.
She is kicked, punched and thrown across sand before the footage ends.
NO MORE founder Charlie King told the Sunday Territorian time could not afford to be wasted to educate and prevent domestic violence in the Territory and across Australia.
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“My worry is when we talk about these Aboriginal offences or acts of violence, then the rest of Australia thinks that’s a problem for Aboriginal people,” he said.
“That’s not true. We keep finding bodies in driveways and in backyards. It’s not just about Aboriginal people.
“Men have to rise up. We need more people, we need an army.”
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