New police officer puts DV experience to better use
Abused in a former relationship, Briana Matthew took charge. As one of the NSW Police force’s newest graduates she’ll use her experience to fight domestic violence head on and help victims.
NSW
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A mother of six who has survived an abusive relationship has graduated from the NSW Police Academy and is desperate to use her personal trauma to help other victims.
“I was in an abusive relationship for many years and the abuse became accepted in our household,” said 35-year-old Brie Matthew.
“I didn’t recognise it as domestic violence when I got into that relationship. It was quite a few years ago, so there wasn’t as much focus on men’s violence against women or domestic violence in general.
“Once I was out of the relationship, I started to understand what domestic violence was and I pursued a career within the domestic violence field.”
After years working in health and other government departments, Ms Matthew decided she was best suited to the police force where she could empathise with victims, help them understand the cycle and make real change.
“I didn’t realise there was anything wrong with the abuse because it starts so small with coercive control, and I didn’t realise how serious or deep I was in until it was too far gone,” she said.
“I want to be able to make a positive impact by sharing my story and as a police officer I will be able to empathise.”
Ms Matthew gained experience with a high-risk domestic violence team during her training to become a police officer and is now also interested in prosecutions.
After graduating from the Academy on Friday she is looking forward to taking up her post in Coffs Harbour, where she lives with her police officer husband and their six children.
“I am very fortunate to have a supportive husband who has encouraged my journey and has been manning the fort in my absence,” she said.
“My family network are my biggest advocates and have always supported my crazy endeavours, I do not think one of them was surprised when I decided to chase my dreams on this journey. They have all been supporting my husband in my absence to manage our Brady Bunch”.
“I want to be a part of the change. There is a really great opportunity now with the recruitment drive and need for more cops. There are people who are coming into the Force who want to be a part of that change also.”
Originally published as New police officer puts DV experience to better use
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