Dunedin police are attending between 35 and 50 cases of domestic violence a week, almost double the caseload from three years ago.
Dunedin family violence co-ordinator Sergeant Janelle Timmins is calling on neighbours, family and friends to be the ‘‘voice for those who can't speak for themselves'' as stress and alcohol come to the fore at the traditionally problematic holiday time.
The increase in family violence reporting indicated more people were speaking out for themselves and others, Sgt Timmins said.
Increased faith in police and social agencies was among reasons people were more comfortable to report family violence, she said.
But the level of violence in the south remained troubling.
Recent statistics showed the majority of cases reported in the Southern district were the first time the families had come to police attention.
‘‘Sixty percent of family violence in the Southern district is first-time reporting,'' Sgt Timmins said.
The statistics suggested police were making inroads into repeat offending, but that the message was not getting through to some.
‘‘There's still probably an issue in our middle to upper class sector of society where I think it's still a shame issue,'' she said.
‘‘There's a lot of hidden stuff at that level.''
Families of that socioeconomic status were less willing to accept help from government and social agencies, she said.
‘‘Family violence doesn't discriminate by age or race or socioeconomic standing - it's something everyone needs to be aware of,'' she said.
In recent weeks, there had been cases of family violence where the level of violence was particularly concerning, but it was the frequency of reports which provided headaches for police at this time of year.
The holiday season - especially after Christmas - generally brought a spike in family violence as families spent more time together coupled with financial stress and alcohol consumption.
Neighbours, family and friends should ensure they kept loved ones safe.‘‘It's about looking after each other,'' Sgt Timmins said.
‘‘Keep an eye on those you are concerned about and be a voice for those that can't speak for themselves.
‘‘It's not only children but adults that sometimes need people to speak up for them.''
Police, and other social agencies, had developed strategies to ‘‘ensure we don't have victims becoming victims again'', and last week police distributed food parcels to help relieve some of the financial burden of the holiday period for high-risk families, she said.
However, Sgt Timmins said people needed to watch their alcohol consumption and walk away from volatile situations.
‘‘When things are getting niggly, walk away from it,'' she said.‘‘And people should be kind to each other.''People should not hesitate to report violence - of any kind - or to seek help.
‘‘It's easier to see bruises and see that as a violent crime than it is to acknowledge that psychological violence is just as, if not more, destructive than physical violence sometimes,'' she said.
● If you have concerns for your safety or the safety of others, you should contact the Dunedin police family violence team on 471-4853 or 471-4818.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If someone's safety is immediately at threat, call 111.
Family violence in Dunedin
1975 cases reported in Dunedin alone during the past year.
Dunedin police dealing with 35-50 cases a week.
60% of all cases are families being reported for the first time.
Case load has almost doubled in the past three years.
Police believe increased reporting is behind the rise.
You can get help
What you should do when you or someone you know is confronted by family violence.
Challenge the behaviour - but never put your own or others' safety at risk.
Offer to support the victim or child and find out what they need.
Make your home a safe place for them and a place they can come to if they ever need to talk.
Call the police on 111 if you believe someone is in danger.
Call the It's not OK information line on 0800-456-450 for advice.
Provide information anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.
For more information go to http://www.areyouok.org.nz/ or contact:
Jigsaw Wakatipu 0508-440-255
Rape Crisis 474-1592
Shine 0508 744-633
Victim Support 0800-842-846
Women's Refuge 477-1229
