Victims of domestic violence in New England have a new tool available to help them access help, as part of a program that is already making a substantial dent in a once-record crime rate.
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Glen Innes had the third worst record for domestic violence in 2017, behind just Moree Plains and Kempsey. In an attempt to combat the rate, local community groups formed the Safe in Our Town committee to coordinate the response to the crisis.
Glen Innes police have also made family violence a priority, doing regular welfare checks and prosecuting minor offenses before they become major. As a result the rate has since dropped substantially.
Laurie Newsome, the support worker at Glen Innes Family and Youth Support Service, said they're aiming to help partners and children get access to better information with a new website.
Helpinglen.com, launched late in 2018, is a one-stop shop for all services relating to domestic or family violence, including all services based in New England.
Mr Newsome says it's important people know help is available.
"If people know where to go for help it's half the battle."
He said Glen, like all towns, has problems. The difference is that all sorts of people pitch in and make an effort to overcome them.
"The safe in our town network has worked because various people from various services and also just community people have pitched in," he said.
The success of the campaign is a source of pride, he said.
"Glen Innes is a good town; it's a good family town.
"It's important for Glen Innes to have some sort of progress – it’s not only economic progress but social progress that is important.
"We're moving forward in the world - hopefully!"
The website is designed to be searched surreptitiously, featuring advice on hiding browsing history and a quick off button in bright red. The idea is to potentially hide use of the site from a prying partner.
Domestic and family violence can regularly either spiral out of control or create more severe crime. Two police officers were shot in January while responding to a domestic violence call, though it was a one-off offence.
The website went online in December. The Safe in Our Town committee also has a section of books about domestic violence available at the Glen Innes library
Andrew Messenger
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Politics, environment and energy journalist at the Northern Daily Leader. I also write about health, bushfires and occasionally music. I'm a Brisbane boy by way of Charleville and Hobart who now lives in in beautiful New England. Get me at andrew.messenger@austcommunitymedia.com.au
