DOMESTIC violence figures in Tenterfield continue to grow with local police urging the community to end the cycle of violence.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In the past year there have been 67 reported domestic violence incidents in Tenterfield – 20 more than the previous 12-months.
Tenterfield Acting Sergeant Miranda Kapsalis said the most important thing the community can do is ring them.
“If you think it doesn’t look right, just ring,” she said.
Sgt Kapsalis said while it’s understandable for people to be weary of stepping in, it could just save a life.
“People don’t really want to get involved.
“There are other options available if people don’t want to deal with us.”
Sufferers can get in touch with the Tenterfield Community Hub or Tenterfield Family and Youth Support Services or contact Domestic Violence Hotline NSW on 1800 65 64 63 for anonymity.
Witnesses can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Tenterfield presently falls into the top 10 in terms of most domestic violence cases per capita in NSW.
Number nine behind neighbouring Glen Innes and Bourke and Walgett in the top two spots.
Sgt Kapsalis said she hasn’t been surprised by what she’s seen, having held a domestic violence liaison officer role in a previous posting.
“I didn’t realise how bad it was until I did that role in Glebe.
“The thing we need is for people to report more. We’d rather go to a call and have it be nothing,” she said.
She believes legislation around apprehended violence orders has improved and the courts are handing down harsher sentences to offenders.
“The AVO system is better now. As the Sergeant I can now issue them whereas before it had to go all through the courts.
“Things are now in our favour.”
