August 29th 2024.
Advocates for preventing domestic violence have emphasized the need for a respectful and supportive dialogue in the public sphere. This came after Queensland MP Nick Dametto suggested that family members should handle incidents of violence within the family before involving authorities.
In a recent appearance on the Jack Ryder Talks podcast, Dametto argued that current laws are making young people weak and advocated for self-governance. He even used the example of family members stepping in to protect a sister from physical abuse as a way to handle such situations.
According to Dametto, the police spend a significant amount of their time dealing with domestic violence cases because people are unable to resolve conflicts amongst themselves. When approached for comment, the deputy leader of Katter's Australian Party reiterated his belief that family and domestic violence issues should be handled within the family unit before seeking help from outside sources.
However, these comments have drawn concern from domestic violence advocates who fear that they may discourage victims from speaking out and seeking help. Karen Bevan, the CEO of Full Stop Australia, pointed out that only 20% of incidents are reported to the police, and the majority of victims do not reach out for assistance. She also stressed that any commentary that undermines the safety of victim-survivors seeking support is unhelpful and dangerous.
Bevan highlighted the fact that for centuries, people have been pushing matters of domestic violence into the private sphere, and this has only led to more harm. She stated that it is the responsibility of the entire community to ensure safety and that the police should not be expected to prioritize domestic violence cases over other crimes. Everyone should play a role in preventing and addressing domestic violence.
The government-funded hotline 1800RESPECT also stressed the importance of responding to domestic violence cases sensitively. They noted that it takes a lot of courage for victims to disclose their experiences and that a sensitive response can make a significant difference in their well-being and how they approach their situation.
According to the latest figures from the Australian Institute of Criminology's National Homicide Monitoring Program, 34 women were killed by intimate partners in 2022/23, which is a 28% increase from the previous year. So far this year, 58 women have been killed, according to Australian Femicide Watch. While more victims are starting to come forward, Bevan explained that many are still hesitant due to factors such as coercive control, risks to their safety, and the safety of their children.
She urged the community to have respectful conversations about domestic violence, take the issue seriously, and ensure that resources and support are available and adequately funded. She also emphasized the need for authorities to be ready to respond when needed. Bevan called domestic violence a national emergency and a priority, and stressed that it is something that can be changed in this generation.
In response to the backlash, Dametto clarified that his personal views were shaped by his upbringing and cultural background. He maintained that if possible, family and domestic violence issues should be dealt with within the family unit, but if not, they should be reported to authorities. He also called for an open and robust discussion on different ways to address domestic violence, without fear of being ridiculed.
In conclusion, it is essential for the community to support victims of domestic violence by having respectful conversations, taking the issue seriously, and ensuring that resources and support are available. It is also crucial for authorities to be ready to respond and for society to work towards preventing and addressing domestic violence. Support is available for victims from organizations such as Full Stop Australia and the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service.
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