Hot weather, alcohol consumption and family members who don’t usually see each other being brought together has resulted in a spike in domestic violence incidents in the New Year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
An investigation by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research between December 24 and January 2 in five consecutive years from 2013/14 to 2017/18, showed the number of domestic assaults each year was the highest on New Year’s Day.
The state-wide investigation showed a clear spike in domestic assaults in the six hours between 9pm on New Year’s Eve and 3am on New Year’s Day.
Central West Police District domestic violence liaison officer Senior Constable Granton Smith said the trend also applied in Orange.
You do see the seasonal change … which is a shame, it’s supposed to be a happy time of year.
- Central West Police District domestic violence liaison officer Senior Constable Granton Smith
“It’s a busy period for us, Christmas and New Year’s is traditionally busy that’s across the board,” Senior Constable Smith said.
“Domestic violence follows the same [trend and] this year is no different.
“You do see the seasonal change … which is a shame, it’s supposed to be a happy time of year.
“There’s more pressure for families to spend time together at this time of year, it’s hot, people drink alcohol.”
He said the domestic violence offences included assaults, damage to property, stalking, intimidation and breaching apprehended domestic violence orders.
However, Senior Constable Smith said there was no typical perpetrators or victims and domestic violence was present in various forms among people from all social, financial and cultural backgrounds and included control, coercion, threats and isolation.
Senior Constable Smith said whenever there is evidence against a suspected perpetrator police will bring them before the courts and will take out an AVO, which are tailored for victim’s needs and don’t always include non-contact orders.
He said anyone who sees anything they suspect might be domestic violence can contact the Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463 or triple zero in an emergency.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...