THE prevalence of domestic violence in Tenterfield is a “significant concern” that needs to be acknowledged according to Greens candidate for the seat of Lismore Adam Guise.
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Mr Guise was in Tenterfield on Monday and spoke with counsellors and support workers about how to best address the issue moving forward.
He has committed himself to providing more funding to bring in a specialised liaison officer and is hopeful that Tenterfield could mount a strong case for having a crisis centre or refuge for victims.
Currently domestic violence is the second highest reported crime in Tenterfield.
Katrina Sundstrom from Tenterfield, Drake and Casino Counselling Solutions said there was little in place at the moment to support people suffering abuse – whether male, female, parents or children.
“There is a cultural acceptance that this is part of our history and is never going to go away,” Ms Sundstrom said.
“We need the crisis services that we just don’t have – we don’t really have anything here.
“Tenterfield always miss out because we’re at the end of the road,” she said.
Ms Sundstrom works with people in Tenterfield, Tabulam, Drake and Casino and she said that the issue is rising.
“Overwhelmingly the majority of cases of domestic violence I have seen are here (Tenterfield).
“I took up my first referral in June 2013 - I’ve had over 165 referrals in that time.”
Based on population and percentages, that puts her in an unenviable position.
“On percentages alone apparently I have dealt with four times more referrals of domestic violence than any practitioner in NSW.
“It’s a complex issue and I’m knee deep in it.”
Ms Sundstrom was of the viewpoint that Police, legal services and the courts have largely dropped the ball on the issue.
“It’s really troubling the ongoing breaches you see with Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVO). I had one referral where the victims partner had breached the ADVO four times and it got to a point where he was blocking the car at the house and police wouldn’t intervene – we seem to have a new breed of police in town so that may change,” she said.
Mr Guise and Ms Sundstrom both echoed each other’s sentiments calling for greater training among police ranks right across the country.
“Police need adequate training and obviously there are cross border issues where the laws differ,” Mr Guise said.
Katrina said people need to be encouraged to seek support, whether it’s police or counselling.
“It’s crucial we understand it’s also not just women who are the victims, it happens as much with men but they’re told to man up.”
Working together on domestic violence cases
HEALTH service manager for Tenterfield Hospital Michael Moore said they often liaise and support other services in town when cases of domestic violence presented themselves.
“Hunter New England Health recognises the importance of supporting victims of domestic violence, particularly in rural and regional areas.
“A social worker visits the service weekly and in emergencies they are available to visit clients in Tenterfield, or speak to them over the phone. This would happen the next day if they present afterhours.
“Victims of domestic violence who present to the Emergency Department will be seen by the medical officer on call, who can arrange for the social worker to visit them or call them,” Mr Moore said.
“Victims of sexual assault requiring care are taken to Armidale or Inverell for counselling and specialist medical care.
“Two mental health workers are also based in Tenterfield to provide mental health services to the community,” he said.
If you need to speak with someone or report a case of violence then contact Tenterfield Police or a Mental Health Support Line on 1800 011 511.