Echuca survivor: family violence tool 'step in the right direction'

‘‘Hit someone you don’t know and you’re in serious trouble, hit your wife or partner and the police in the past have always thought it was a waste of their time,’’ she said.

‘‘I feel that, in my experience, the police and courts did not treat my case with any seriousness.’’

Sarah, whose name has been withheld to protect her and her child, endured domestic violence in many forms — physical, emotional, mental and financial.

Yet, she still doesn’t consider her story ‘‘as bad as some’’.

‘‘I saw one case where there were photos of the victim’s face black and blue,’’ she said.

‘‘The man had also verbally abused the children and he was allowed to be at home with them because there was a disabled child he assisted in care for. What a joke. He could have killed them all next time.’’

Her statement is not far off: considering one woman is murdered every week by her current or former partner.

‘‘It’s outrageous the things you can do to a wife or child but if it was to a stranger, you would be in prison. The penalty should be higher for a loved one. People are not property,’’ she said.

Sarah said she wished the new technology was available when she called the police for help.

‘‘I hope I never have to relive it to find out how good it will be,’’ she said.

The mobile application gives officers better questions to ask victims of domestic violence, resulting in a score as to the likelihood of the abuse escalating within the next 12 months.

It comes after a two-year pilot, developed in consultation with researchers from Swinburne University and Forensicare and survivors like Rosie Batty.

‘‘A questionnaire will help make it easier for police and make victims and survivors feel like they’re being taken seriously,’’ Sarah said.

‘‘I have had police tell me it was ‘a waste of their time coming’ or ‘he has left so there is no crime. Why did you ring?’

‘‘If I don’t feel safe I can and will ring.

‘‘Most police are great. But all officers should be properly trained in dealing with family violence as part of their formal training.

‘‘This new app is a step in the right direction.

‘‘Family violence is a huge problem, it’s not going away and the biggest problem is that it isn’t really a crime.

‘‘It will take decades for real change but any steps are better than none.’’

Sarah urged women to call 000 every time they experienced domestic violence.

‘‘No matter how small of an issue it may be, it’s all on record,’’ she said.

‘‘And call the helplines too, to get support and advice on what steps you should take next.’’

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800737732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au

*Not her real name.