GO Domestic Abuse

Question 1

What types of abuse exist?

Answer 1

physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic

Question 2

What is an act of abuse?

Answer 2

physical injury
Emotional or psychological harm
Unreasonable and non-consensual denial of financial, social or personal autonomy
Damage to property owned, possessed or used by the victim

Question 3

What process is required where a situation is determined to be DV?

Answer 3

record incident as an occurrence
Treat as a serious crime
Adopt positive action response allowing victim to make informed choices and hold offender accountable
Do not ask a victim whether they wish to continue proceedings unless they indicate they do not wish to proceed
Provide assistance and support to the victim and their child
Adopt a stay-at home philosophy
Make CARL notifications
Work with other agencies

Question 4

What is positive action?

Answer 4

immediate safety to victim
Removes offender and prevents immediate situation from continuing or escalating while providing an opportunity for intervention

Question 5

What does positive action do?

Answer 5

prevents escalation of violence and minimises further harm
Meets the unique safety needs of DV victims while respecting their right to make choices for self where safe to do so
Hold offender accountable for violence in a way which is commensurate with offending and level of risk

Question 6

What is abuse in relation to children?

Answer 6

• sexual abuse; or
• Physical or emotional abuse, neglect to the extent the:
  
  • Child has suffered or is likely to suffer physical or psychological injury detrimental to child’s wellbeing; or
  • Childs physical or psychological development is in jeopardy

Question 7

What will a member’s initial response be at the scene of a DV incident?

Answer 7

• consider entry is best made with consent of parties, however where necessary to check on the safety and welfare fo those involved use alternative authorities
• Separate victim and offender
• Prevent further breaches of peace and ensure all are safe from harm
• Assist persons to obtain medical assistance
• Preserve scene for evidence
• Recognise the confusion a victim may feel at their situation and decision making process

Question 8

Why is arrest the preferred form of positive action?

Answer 8

immediate safety provided to victim
Removes offender and prevents immediate continuation/escalation and allows intervention
Quickest method to bring a case before the court