Sutherland Shire Domestic Violence

Sutherland Shire Domestic Violence Informtion and Support Guide 17 There are many ways you can reach out to get help. You don’t have to already have left before you reach out for support. You can ask police to intervene, you can call a government funded hotline, you can get a health professional to refer you to a local support service, or you can self-refer to a local service specialising in domestic violence support. Taking that first step is the hardest, but once you do, you will have options made available to you. Local support agencies are able to co-ordinate services to support you from safety planning, housing, to emergency financial assistance and long term counselling and support. Most importantly, you will be supported without judgement, and by people who are experienced in helping people in similar situations. The Role of Police Police play an important role in ensuring community safety and supporting the protection of women and children from domestic violence. In the case of domestic violence, police may: • Be the first on the scene to protect you from any violence or provide/seek emergency support when it is required. • Investigate an incident of domestic violence to determine any safety needs of victims and family members and/or to gather evidence for any relevant charges. • Charge perpetrators and bring them to court for any relevant breach of the law. • Initiate an ADVO application on behalf of a victim or family members who need protection. • Support victims to navigate any court process (particularly ADVOs).