BREAKING: A shocking new report reveals that 90 percent of family violence workers have witnessed police misidentify victims as perpetrators. This urgent finding, published by advocacy group Flat Out Inc., raises critical concerns about the treatment of vulnerable groups in Victoria.
In a survey of 225 frontline experts, including support workers and lawyers, significant issues were highlighted regarding Victoria Police and their response to family violence. The report, released on Thursday, indicates that police responses can exacerbate the very dynamics of power and control that underpin abuse, impacting victims’ safety and well-being.
The study reveals that 83 percent of survey participants reported instances where police misidentified the victim-survivor as the aggressor. Workers reported alarming trends, including police minimizing violence, colluding with perpetrators, and failing to hold officers accountable for abusive behavior. Notably, the report highlights systemic discrimination against marginalized groups such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, migrant communities, LGBTQI individuals, and those living with disabilities.
Peta Malins, criminologist and co-author of the report, stated, “The testimony from family violence workers is a significant indictment of Victoria Police and their role in family violence response across this state.” Malins emphasized that these harms are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader pattern of negligence.
The survey was conducted in 2020/21, but its findings are alarming and relevant today. Flat Out Inc., known for its advocacy and support for women, trans, and gender-diverse individuals interacting with the justice system, calls for a pivot away from traditional policing towards community-led responses to family violence.
In response, a spokesperson for Victoria Police stated that the department was not involved in the research but regularly collaborates with sector partners to enhance their response to family violence. “The safety of victims is at the forefront of everything we do,” the spokesperson said, asserting that all police undergo extensive training in family violence, including recognizing predominant aggressors.
Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicate that approximately one in four Australian women has experienced family violence involving an intimate partner, underscoring the urgency of reform in police practices.
The implications of this report are profound. Human rights advocates and community leaders are calling for immediate action to address these systemic issues within Victoria Police. The findings will likely fuel ongoing discussions about police reform and the need for improved victim support mechanisms.
As this story develops, the focus remains on how authorities will respond to these critical findings and whether significant changes will be implemented to ensure the safety and dignity of victims. Community members and advocates are urged to stay informed and engaged in this pressing issue.
