Survivors of domestic violence in the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury are set to receive better support under a new collaboration between the police, health and community organisations.
Where previously agencies offering support had worked in isolation, the organisations will meet fortnightly in Springwood to discuss individual cases.
The Safer Pathway program is a state government initiative being rolled out around NSW and was launched in Springwood on Wednesday, February 21.
Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle hosted the event, saying: “Domestic violence is responsible for 1 to 2 deaths each week. A focus on women and children at high risk of injury or death is clearly needed to prevent victims from falling through the cracks.”
Police are often first on scene when there is a domestic violence incident.
“For the safety of families and victims of domestic violence it’s critical to have this up and running,” said Hawkesbury area command police Superintendent Jim Stewart.
“This is a fantastic initiative where we further enhance our collaboration with the stakeholders so that we can develop safety action plans to address and prevent or lesson the serious threats to domestic violence victims and their children. This is all about providing greater support in a co-ordinated way,” said Blue Mountains police Supt Darryl Jobson.
Anita Cox, the co-ordinator of the Blue Mountains Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service, welcomed the collaboration.
“The local co-ordination point now means we can co-ordinate Safety Pathway meetings for referrals that come through as a serious threat. Police, health, FACS, housing, education, corrections and other NGOs will come together and discuss an individual and what action to take to reduce her risk level to make her safer.”
The Safer Pathway program comprises a multi-pronged strategy: the use of a common risk assessment tool known as the Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool, already used by the NSW police force and encouraged for other service providers; and a streamlined referral pathway through the online central referral point.
The Blue Mountains Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service will provide specialist domestic violence support for women victims and other local support services will be provided to male victims.
At the fortnightly meetings, targeted and timely actions aimed at reducing the immediate threat to the victim and their children will be provided for victims at serious threat of injury or death due to domestic violence.
“The co-ordinated support will reduce the need to retell their story over and over,” Ms Doyle said.
“We need to let victims know that they are not alone and help is available. We must do all we can to ensure that victims receive the support and protection they need.”
“There is an enormous amount of work to do to ensure domestic violence is talked about in the community and to feel they can talk to police and so they do feel supported and can speak up and do feel safe,” said Nepean-Blue Mountains Local Health District CEO Kay Hyman.
The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service can be contacted on 1800 WDVCAS and key in your postcode to be directed to your local service.
