The Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service and NSW Police co-location pilot has been expanded from Albury to Deniliquin, to assist those living in the Murray River Police District.
It will see specialist domestic violence support workers available via audio-visual link.
The initiative aims to improve the experience of victim-survivors who attend police stations, increase the number of victims who report to police, and streamline their access to safety and support.
Murray River Police District Chief Inspector Paul Huggett said this provided additional specialist help in addition to NSW Police domestic violence liaison officers.
“We know domestic and family violence is a very complex and sensitive issue in our community,” he said.
“This program has been running since February and this additional support from the Women’s Domestic Court Advocacy Service has assisted women to break the cycle of domestic and family violence.
“We are encouraging any women over the age of 16 who need to report domestic and family violence to know they can access this important specialist service at their local police station in Deniliquin.”
Linking Communities Network Ltd deputy chief executive Kirrilly Salvestro said the initiative was a game-changer.
“This opportunity for victim-survivors to get AVL support from specialist domestic violence practitioners in a timely manner can mean the difference between following through with an often-traumatic process to have perpetrators held to account,” Mrs Salvestro said.
“The support from NSW Police and WDVCAS will be a game-changer in some lives, and increase awareness and services available to women survivors of domestic and family violence.”
The service is available for women aged 16 and over seeking support, and is available from Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm.
Since January 2024, a face-to-face service from WDVCAS has been available at Albury Police Station.
To date, 192 women have been supported by the program.
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