An article entitled Domestic and Family Violence on the NSW Police page states the following with regards to domestic violence, “The continuing increase in the number of reports of domestic and family violence over the past ten years is seen by police and other community agencies, as evidence of an increase in community awareness reinforcing that this form of abusive behaviour must no longer be seen as a ‘private’ matter. It is recognised by all factors that abusive behaviour towards a person in a relationship constitutes ‘criminal’ behaviour and is punishable by law.” The webpage goes on to state that the NSW Police Force is actively committed to improving their operational response with regards to domestic and family violence and are actively involved in providing support and referrals for victims by way of a collaborative relationships with the different government and non-government agencies.

That being said it is easy to misconstrue the meaning of domestic violence. It is not uncommon for an individual to not feel that their actions are a form of domestic violence or even for the victim to believe that they are not a victim of domestic violence. Such notions are supported by the fact that in as much as domestic violence is well documented it is significantly under-reported. However, this can be attributed to the fact that it is a complex crime as most victims do not want to end their relationships with their abusive partners but just want to stop the violence.
According to an article “Domestic and family violence involves an abuse of power, mainly perpetrated by men in an intimate partner relationship or after separating from the relationship. It extends beyond physical violence and may involve the exploitation of power imbalances and patterns of abuse.”

It is important to note that domestic and family violence does not discriminate and can occur in all sectors of the community and across all cultural groups. As a result anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse but affects the emotional, social and economic well-being of all members of the family including children. In many cases it is assumed that domestic violence involves a male offender and a female victim, however, there have been incidents reported to the police whereby all genders can be victims or offenders. It is also noted that domestic and family violence can happen across all types of relationships; married and de facto couples, boyfriends and girlfriends, LGBTI couples, long-term residents in the same residential facility, carers, relatives, for Aboriginal people - extended family or kin.

Domestic and family violence behaviours include escalating levels of abuse and violence, intimidation, stalking, physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse and threats, psychological abuse, etc.
As mentioned in the outset the NSW Police Force is committed to using all lawful means available to police when it comes to domestic and family violence. Such means include removing offenders from the victim as the safety of the victim is the priority, taking out an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) on behalf of victims and any child living or spending time with the victim, investigating breaches of ADVOs and developing solutions to managing repeat offenders.

Domestic violence is a serious offence. If you have been accused of common assault domestic violence contact a law firm of renowned professionals who specialise in such matters.


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