But for family violence victims it could mean the eruption of an alcohol-fuelled perpetrator, according to police. 

At the frontline of this issue is Ballarat Police’s Family Violence Unit.

The Courier was invited to join the Family Violence Unit for a typical shift on a Saturday morning to experience the issue firsthand.

Sergeant Brendan Cosgriff is at Rof seven officers who rotate in morning and afternoon shifts. 

Victoria Police statistics point to a spike in reported family violence in Ballarat over the past five years.

It show an increase from 925 reported incidents to 1697 since mid-2009 to July this year.

Victoria Police, family violence and welfare agencies cannot determine exactly why the figures have risen so sharply, attributing it to several factors, including increased confidence in reporting.

Sergeant Cosgriff said police were finding family violence could occur in any type of household.

“Once upon a time we thought it was people involved in different socio-economic groups, but we are finding it’s just Mr and Mrs Average,” Sergeant Cosgriff said.

“A big part of our role is about making sure people are safe.”

Sergeant Cosgriff said family violence cases were dealt with through referral, civil and criminal action. 

In every case a referral to an agency, like Child and Family Services, Berry Street or WRISC is made.

If the perpetrator needs to be removed from the victim, civil action is taken in the form of an intervention order or family violence safety notice.

If an assault has occurred or a crime was committed, criminal action is taken and the perpetrator is subject to referral and civil action. 

Following a briefing at the Ballarat Police Sebastopol offices, the Family Violence Unit is tasked to assist the Crime Investigation Unit in arresting a man involved in an assault and aggravated burglary.

The man had forced his way into an ex-partner’s house the previous night, punched her in the face before she escaped with her child. 

The man had remained at the house and caused damage, including punching holes in walls.

Due to the severity of the offence and imminent danger to the victim, the man would be referred to CAFS, be given an intervention order and face criminal charges for assault and aggravated burglary.

As part of a 48-hour follow-up process used by the Family Violence Unit, the members attended a Ballarat home to check on the welfare of a woman who had been assaulted by her husband earlier last week.

The pair, who live at separate locations, had been arguing in the car when her husband punched her repeatedly in the arm, kicked her in the stomach, grabbed her by the throat and threatened that if she spoke to a particular friend he would kill her.

Another friend, who was called by the husband, arrived and diffused the incident. 

The woman sought medical treatment and was urged to go to the police.

“Our role isn’t to take sides, we are there to support the aggrieved family member (AFM),” Constable Berry said.

“Forty-eight hours is a cool-off period and allows the referral agencies a chance to make contact with each party.

“AFMs are contacted and the respondents (the perpetrators) are remanded to come to court on Tuesday. Some victims become reluctant to seek police assistance or attend court, but it’s so important that they attend.”

In this case referrals were made to both parties, with the man to be referred to a service like CAFS and the woman to access services like Berry Street or WRISC.

The man has since been “picked-up” by police and faces civil and criminal action in the form of an intervention order and charges for assault.

Soon after, Constable Berry had a case to remand a recidivist offender who had breached an intervention order three times in 72 hours in a case with children involved.

“This offender is facing more serious penalties, she is now in a show cause position,” Constable Berry said.

“She has been breaching orders for several years. She knows she is breaching it (intervention order), so she is on the run from us.”

Warrants have been put out for her arrest and she will be remanded once police make contact with her.

Under new charges introduced recently, more than three intervention order breaches in 28 days is considered a serious offence.

david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au