Domestic Violence Backflip

The Henderson Government has done a startling backflip on the issue of mandatory reporting of domestic violence.

“During 2006 I campaigned for the introduction of mandatory reporting, by health professionals, of domestic violence,” says Jodeen Carney, Shadow Justice Minister.

“Territory Labor refused to support my initiative despite the fact that many victims of domestic violence are frequent visitors to hospital emergency departments and doctors’ surgeries.

“Now, on the eve of an election and suffering badly tarnished law and order credentials, the Government has announced mandatory reporting of domestic violence for the entire community.

“I note the details regarding how this obligation will be enforced are yet to be released.

“There is no doubting the very high level of domestic violence in some Indigenous communities.

“A review of Alice Springs Hospital records from 2000 to 2006 discovered an average of 2.6 Indigenous women sought treatment for domestic violence related injuries every day.

“One of those victims presented to the Alice Springs Hospital an astonishing 189 times during that 6 year period.

“That woman clearly needed assistance and the current system let her down.

“The police need to be involved in cases of domestic violence.”

2008-07-09