Family violence does occur here

Queenstown police attend about 150 family violence incidents a year. Sadly, that number is not an accurate reflection of what occurs behind closed doors in our town, with family violence co-ordinator Sergeant Keith Newell estimating reported incidents represent about 10% of the total. In this week's Wakatipu Echo, Sgt Newell gives a police perspective on domestic and family violence in our community.

I am often asked in my role as the Queenstown police family violence co-ordinator that there can't be too much family violence happening in Queenstown because it's such a nice place to visit and work in.

The sad fact is that in our area, just like everywhere else, Queenstown has its fair share of family violence incidents.

We work in very close with our fellow partner agencies, Jigsaw Central Lakes and CYFS. We only do one part of the big picture - that is family violence. Family violence holds no boundaries for any person's social makeup, religion, race, visitors or locals.

Locally, we attend approximately 150 incidents a year, and I am told this may be only approximately 10% of what actually occurs behind closed doors. Each incident is investigated and if we can establish that an offence has occurred, the result usually ends in a court appearance for the offender.

Family violence incidents are a high priority for us. Officers attending have to be on their game, as each incident has the potential to turn nasty and people can get hurt. We try to attend each incident with all the information available to us.

Some local Queenstown families are repeat offenders, so it is helpful to know what you are getting yourself into.

Because of the high stakes involved, perhaps a marriage or relationship split-up, the parties involved can be very emotionally charged and the potential for violence to the victim and police is always present.

Interestingly, locally, the numbers of parties involved who have consumed alcohol prior to police arriving is about 15% higher than the national average.

I put this down to the fact that many visitors to town take the opportunity to socialise while here, and in doing so consume alcohol, sometimes more than they would do at home.

This, of course, can lead to arguing with their partners and, in turn, an assault or incident. It is not uncommon for us to be called to a hotel room to investigate an incident.

We also deal with cases that have been a long time in the pipeline, where an abusive partner has used psychological abuse over a period of time. These can be quite complex and it takes great courage for the victim to front up and seek help.

From time to time we also deal with people who, for whatever reason, seem incapable of seeing where they have been, where they are going, or the damage they are doing to their children and families.

These families can take up a huge amount of time and investment from all of the agencies involved.

We also have access to the new "police safety orders" that can be issued in circumstances, where, if an offence has not been committed or detected, police have the power to serve an order on one of the parties for a short period of time.

This has assisted those needing some "breathing space" to get away from their other half, and seek assistance.

At the end of the day it is our goal to investigate each incident, gain some form of safety for the victim and hold the offender accountable for their actions. Here in Queenstown, the public often ring us to report an incident they have observed while out and about.

I would like to think this type of reporting is increasing, that people are making the effort to do something rather than turning a blind eye.

If anyone has any queries in regard to family violence, from whatever angle, and you want to talk about it please contact me at the Queenstown police station, (03) 441-1614.