NCJ Number
79944
Journal
ACPC Forum Volume: 2 Issue: 6 Dated: (1979) Pages: 17,19-20
Date Published
1979
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Domestic violence in South Australia is examined, with attention given to who should intervene in domestic disputes, whether the law in this area is adequate, and whether the extent of the problem is fully appreciated.
Abstract
Because of the potential for danger, South Australia considers it appropriate for police to be the initial intervenors in domestic violence incidents. Patrols composed of male and female partners, who have been trained in law and behavior related to domestic disputes, answer calls involving such incidents. The Department of Community Welfare has a crisis care unit that provides support for the police in handling serious family conflict. The unit operates around the clock and has direct contact with the police communications room. The unit employs 16 social workers, who are assisted by volunteers. Where police are unable to resolve a conflict and cannot leave a home because of the possibility of renewed aggression, the crisis care unit is summoned. The unit counsels the involved parties and may remove endangered persons to a shelter. Referral for long-term help is provided. Statutes are adequate to cover incidents of domestic physical abuse, but the difficulty of obtaining evidence, particularly when the abused party does not cooperate with the police, makes successful conviction difficult. Police policy is to proceed with formal charging where circumstances and evidence are sufficient to support such action. Precise statistics on domestic violence are lacking, since such police calls are under the general heading of 'disturbance.' Disturbance calls average about 34 percent in the metropolitan area.