VAW in Australia The Frontline Narrative of a

VAW in Australia- The Frontline Narrative of a Multicultural Officer Sunita Kotnala Consultant Social Policy and International Development

VAW in Australia �Domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault is a criminal offence in Australia � DV and Family violence continue to be a major social issue nationally �National Plan to reduce violence against women and their children 2010 -2022 �Support services and programs across government agencies �Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officers , Multicultural Cultural Liaison Officers or equivalent across all jurisdictions

NSW Multicultural Community Liaison Officer (MCLO) Program Civilian officers to improve communication for better policing and police: �Victim & language support �Compliance monitoring �Complaints �Capacity Building �Education & Training �Community development �Peace building activities

Key challenges for MCLO �Prejudicial policing/ personal attitudes �Mistrust of authority, reluctance to report crime �Cultural practices and attitudes towards DV �Limited understanding of Australian legal system �Individual rights and responsibilities regarding DV �Lager community attitudes �Capacity of service providers- Government & NGO

Achievements of MCLO program �Increase in DV reporting from multicultural communities �Improved outcomes in courts for victims �Increased budget for interpreter and language support �Reduction in costs awarded by courts �Improved interagency communication & collaboration �Amendments to legislation & policing practice �Better understanding of individual rights and responsibilities within Australian legal system

References 1. 2. 3. 4. NSW Police Force Priorities for Working in a Culturally, Linguistically and Religiously Diverse Societyhttps: //www. police. nsw. gov. au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/73156/Internet_-_MPSP_Plan_2011 -14. pdf The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their children http: //www. dss. gov. au/our-responsibilities/women/programs-services/reducing-violence/the-national-plan-to-reduce-violenceagainst-women-and-their-children Bridging the data gaps for domestic and family violence services http: //www. abs. gov. au/ausstats/abs@. nsf/mf/4529. 0. 002? Open. Document Code of Practice for the NSW Police Force Response to Domestic Violence and family Violence http: //www. police. nsw. gov. au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/165202/DFV_Code_of_Practice_FINAL_-_Updated_Jan_14. pdf