Police Officer Spat at Whilst Investigating Domestic Violence Incident at Stroud Home

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man has been charged after spitting at a police officer, whilst attending to a domestic violence related incident at a home in Stroud. 

About 10.30am on Wednesday the 22nd of April, an officer from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District attended a home on Berkley Street, speaking to a 29-year-old man before being refused entry. 

As the senior constable walked away, he was allegedly spat on.

The man was arrested and during a search of the home, a 32-year-old woman was located inside.

He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with contravene prohibition/restriction in AVO (Domestic), and assaulting an officer in execution of duty.

The man was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday the 23rd of April. 

Newcastle City Council Offering 10 Days Paid Domestic Violence Leave As Part Of New Enterprise Agreement

BY JARROD MELMETH

Newcastle City Council have adopted a new enterprise agreement which aims to improve productivity by creating a more flexible workplace.

The newly ratified agreement includes opt-in work arrangements such as unpaid leave, working from home, purchased additional annual leave, working four years out of five and working from home.

It's the first agreement in partnership with the Services Union in more than eight years and will also include 10 days of paid domestic violence leave.

Paid domestic violence is used for victims to seek safe housing; attend related medical and legal appointments or organise alternative care and schooling arrangements for their children while still being able to accumulate all other forms of leave.

Newcastle United Services Union organiser Luke Hutchinson said flexible work arrangements help employees in their work and personal lives.

"The Union is very proud to resolve this matter with Newcastle City Council to provide domestic violence leave for victims and their families to assist with this hideous social matter that we are unfortunately dealing within Australia at the moment.

"This provides some additional support for these victims and their families," Mr Hutchinson said.

The agreement also includes the annual 2.5 per cent minimum pay rise as per the 2017 Local Government Award.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the city is committed to providing support to its employees.

Left to right, Ross Warren and Kevin Burgess, City of Newcastle USU delegates,

 Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes and United Services

 Union General Secretary Graeme Kelly.

Wanted Man Heads to Court After Dramatic Police Chase

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The man at the centre of the dramatic police chase across the Hunter heads to court today on a dozen charges.

Just after 10am yesterday police allege they attempted to pull the 22-year-old over in Wallsend but he refused to stop and a pursuit was initiated.

Police chased the man to the Hunter Expressway where they terminated the chase for a short time for safety reasons. Officers spotted him not long after driving on the Expressway on the wrong side of the road and gave chase for a second time.

The man managed to avoid to deployments of road spikes by police and then drove to Newcastle Link Road and then onto the M1 Pacific Motorway. It's here police allege he forced a vehicle off the road by colliding with it and then attempted and failed to "car jack" it.

He then successfully stole a white Audi Sedan allegedly armed with an edged weapon and took off.

Police in the area initiated another chase, but had to terminate not long after when the 22-year-old crossed to the wrong side of the Motorway.

Once he reached the Dora Creek Bridge, he tried and failed to "car jack" another three vehicles.

This is where police caught up with the man and tried to arrest him. The 22-year-old rammed into an unmarked police vehicle which caused minor injuries to two officers. But thankfully with the help of other officers the man was finally arrested at the scene.

He was taken to Toronto Police Station and slapped with a dozen charges: take detain person with intent to obtain advantage, armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, aggravated take drive vehicle whilst armed with offensive weapon, resist officer in execution of duty, intentionally choke person with recklessness, common assault, display unauthorised registration plates, and a warrant for revocation of parole.

The 22-year-old was originally wanted for Domestic Violence matters.

He was refused bail and faces Toronto Local Court today.

Hunter Region Plagued by Domestic Violence

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

The Hunter's shameful domestic violence figures have been released from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research with White Ribbon Day just around the corner.

According to the figures, domestic assault rates in Cessnock, Maitland and Muswellbrook sit in the top 25% of the state. The areas are also listed as the 22nd, 32nd and 34th worst areas across NSW.
Over the past year, more than 400 incidents were recorded in Maitland alone with figures showing a 1.6% increase in assaults each year for the past 5 years.

Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey spoke at today's Hunter White Ribbon Breakfast and says perpetrators aren't the only problem, bystanders also play a role.

"If you have a mate that you suspect is perpetrating domestic violence against their partner, you are not being a mate by remaining silent. You need to ring the police before you may witness your friend be responsible for a murder."

He says police are currently working on a range of new initiatives to target perpetrators and to truly tackle this issue, announcing the arrival of the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme.

"I can announce that as of the 25th of November the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme is in place, where no matter what state you're in, domestic violence orders are binding. [This] will certainly help with perpetrator behaviour and if there needs to be an order that was taken out in another state varied, that can now be done here so that's an exciting tool for us."

The Superintendent also listed AVO compliance checks, the Suspect Targeting Management Plan (STMP) and electronic monitoring of offenders as further measures which could help reduce the growing trend of domestic violence. 

Image: [MyPolice QLD]

Newcastle Council Partnering with Got Your Back Sista for the Newcastle 500

BY JESICA ROUSE

Newcastle City Council has chosen to partner with a local domestic violence charity ahead of the Newcastle 500 to raise some much needed funds.

Got Your Back Sista is dedicated to helping women who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence. Their vision is to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently after escaping the trauma of domestic violence.

Newcastle Council selected the charity as the first partnership for the inaugural event after 1,300 staff went around and spoke to the community about the issues they felt most strongly about. The issue was domestic violence against women.

Newcastle Councillors with Melissa Histon
 and Mark Winterbottom on the Newcastle 500 track.

Got Your Back Sista will be promoted at Saturday's Supercars event at a VIP lunch, as well as with founder Melissa Histon addressing the audience.

Melissa said it will be great to raise some money they can use to buy furniture and household items for women who have had to leave a violent home and start again.

"At the end of the day we wish that we didn't have to exist, we wish there was no violence but the sad problem is that domestic violence is a problem in our region and we really need to get the message out there that domestic violence is never acceptable and it's not alright," said Melissa.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this is just the beginning of a number of events and partnerships to come in the future.

"It's been an initiative of many of the staff at Newcastle City Council led by our CEO to actually look at how they can better volunteer their time and work and support local charities."

Fellow councillors are in agreeance that the Supercars event is a great opportunity to support White Ribbon Day and Got Your Back Sista.

"There are two big events on Friday, the first is Supercars, the second is the White Ribbon Breakfast. This money will go to helping people who have already suffered from domestic violence but the White Ribbon is all about prevention, its all about a message to men that domestic violence is not acceptable," said Councillor John Church.

2015 Supercars Champion Mark Winterbottom is also happy to announce one of his sponsors Brut is donating $100,000 to White Ribbon Day as well over the next 12 months.

"If you can change one perosn's life that's a massive thing. Speak up and obviously, there's lots of support out there through these organisations. It's great that Brut has chosen them as a charity, it's a very manly product but its out there portraying the right message," said Mark.

NSW Labor calling for sexual assault education

BY JARROD MELMETH and JESSICA ROUSE

Shocking statistics released by the Human Rights Commission on sexual assault at university campuses yesterday show 55 per cent of students at The University of Newcastle (UON) had been sexually harassed on campus.

The statistics have been compiled from data gathered in 2016 which found within the 55 per cent of students who had been assaulted, over half had little to no knowledge of where to get support.

Additionally, 92 per cent of the respondent from UON didn't seek support for sexual harassment, with the most common reason being ' I did not think it was serious enough'.

Maitland MP and Shadow Minister for The Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jenny Aitchison is calling on the State Government to do more in a bid to stop the prevalence of harassment and assault on campus.

Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Jenny Aitchison Image smh.com.au

The MP says the key to stopping sexual assaults on university campuses is early education.

"Because these kinds of crimes don't start just in university, the attitudes and believes that underpin that terrible crime are actually present at a much younger age so we think it's important to address some and the education system needs to start engaging with students," said Jenny Aitchison.

NSW Labor has pledged to join "Our Watch", a joint initiative established to drive nation-wide change in the cultures underpinning violence against women.

"NSW is the only state that has so far not joined up to "Our Watch" and what that does is it provides the support for innovative programs for example "Respect for Relationships' from K-12 have been rolled out in Victoria which was based on a pilot developed through "Our Watch" so its about having the best evidence based programs out there," said Jenny Aitchison.

The statistics released yesterday also stated 78 per cent of perpetrators were fellow UON students, and that public transport was a particularly concerning area where assaults had taken place.

"It accrues right across the spectrum, the report has identified that public transport has been an area of concern for students and risks for students and where assaults and harassment have occurred. The government has a responsibility to ensure that everyone who uses our public transport system is safe from harassment or assault," said Jenny Aitchison.

Worker threatened by a man wielding a knife in Muswellbrook

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A 34-year-old man will face Singleton Local Court today after alleged armed robbery and domestic violence charges at Muswellbrook.

Police have been told at about 2:45pm yesterday a man working at a motel on Maitland Road was threatened by the 34-year-old armed with a knife and demanded cash.

The man left on foot and a short time later was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident in Ruthwhite Avenue.

Hunter Valley officers attended and had to use a taser to subdue the man during the arrest.

He was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station where he was charged with robbery armed with an offensive weapon, common assault (DV), two counts of breaching an AVO, and two counts of destroying or damaging property (DV).

He was refused bail.

Man's attempt to escape police didn't go to plan

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man will face Belmont Local Court later this month after an attempt to evade police didn't work out in his favor.

The 40-year-old man reversed his car into a police car at his home on the Pacific Highway yesterday morning after police turned up to arrest him over alleged domestic violence matters.

He didn't come quietly reversing his white Holden utility into the police car.

The officer escaped with only minor injuries and didn't require treatment.

He was arrested and taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with alleged domestic violence telecommunication offences, malicious damage and using a motor vehicle to avoid apprehension.

New research into long-term effects of domestic violence

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Researchers at the University of Newcastle have found women who experience domestic violence often face long-term physical and mental health problems.

Their study examined three generations of women over 16 years and found the health of women who had lived with a violent partner was significantly worse than those who hadn't.

Professor of Public Health, Deborah Loxton says treatment for the health impacts of domestic violence often focuses on the initial stages of recovery.

"But implicit in that is once the violence has ended after a period of time, women will be doing ok so they will have recovered. What our data is showing is over a 16 year period there's still a deficit in physical and mental health for women who've ever lived with a violent partner," she said.

She says she hopes this research will help raise awareness among health providers about long-term health care.

"So that they may be able to see that some women have long-term health problems may actually have experienced abuse in the past and perhaps some mental health and stress that comes along with that is still impacting their health and wellbeing.

"So in terms of services, it would be very helpful to work out what would be helpful for these women who've experienced violence."

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can ring the domestic violence hotline on 1800 656 463.

Carrie's Place to Expand in 2017

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

Maitland's anti-domestic violence service and homeless shelter Carrie's Place plans to expand into the heart of the city next year.

Coordinator Jenny Harland said the soaring statistics of domestic violence in Maitland had necessitated a drastic expansion of the service in the near future.

"We've totally outgrown the resource centre," Ms Harland said.

"We need to increase our space and expand our operations, so we're pursuing somewhere to move in Maitland."

The organisation plans to move to new headquarters which will include a car park, access to public transport and security for people fleeing violence.

CEO Jan McDonald says she hopes the expansion will make Carrie's Place more efficient and welcoming.

"We currently just have the one property, and clients sometimes have to sit out in the garden, in the children's room, in the kitchen where our groceries are - because there's just not enough room at all here," she said.

"We are looking at moving to facilities that allow our clients to feel safer and afford them a bit more dignity."

The move will be funded by money raised by the members of Carrie's Place and the community.

NSW Police Launch Anti-Domestic Violence Campaign

BY TANYA DU PREEZ

NSW Police and CrimeStoppers NSW today launched a "No Innocent Bystanders" campaign urging the community to report domestic violence.

The campaign comprises a community service announcement to be shared across television networks and an extended video that will appear on social media platforms.

The video aims to highlight the serious realities of domestic violence while demonstrating how members of the community can take action by reporting incidents anonymously via CrimeStoppers.

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione said domestic violence is a serious issue.

"Tragically we have seen 32 domestic-related homicides this year in NSW," he said.

"In some of these cases we know that sadly there had been a history of violence in the home, and people in the community had knowledge of it but had reservations about coming forward."

NSW Police Corporate Spokesperson on Domestic and Family Violence, Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller said a simple phone call could save a potential victim from domestic violence.

"We know that people have the confidence to call police if a neighbour's car is being stolen, but there's still a reluctance to call police if they hear a physical argument happening next door," he said.

"Whether you're a neighbour, or a best friend, or even a doctor - so many people will cross paths with those affected by domestic violence and the community is such an important part of helping us reach out to victims.

"That one phone call, that one small piece of information, might just save the life of the next domestic violence victim."

Move to name women's refuge after mayor MacKenzie criticised

BY MICHAEL COOK

A unanimous decision by Port Stephens council to name a women's refuge after mayor Bruce MacKenzie has drawn criticism after it was revealed that he was convicted of assaulting his partner in 1997.

The Raymond Terrace facility will be known as "The Bruce MacKenzie Centre for Victims of Domestic Violence" in a move that has angered many in the community.

Ann Morris from the Hunter Women's Centre has slammed the decision, saying it is a totally inappropriate name given Cr Mackenzie's past.

"There's a bit of a stench around the whole thing," she said.

Bruce MacKenzie. Photo courtesy of Port Stephens Examiner

Cr MacKenzie plead guilty to assaulting his de-facto partner before Raymond Terrace Court in November 1997.

He was ordered to enter into a 12-month good behaviour bond, however the magistrate did not record a conviction against his name.

Cr MacKenzie says he understands the concerns around naming the centre after him, but believes without his efforts, the shelter would not have gone ahead.

Greens Commit $5 Billion to Domestic Violence Services.

BY GARY LYSAGHT

 The Newcastle Greens have announced their policy on domestic violence reform, calling for $5 billion over the next 10 years to go towards the sector.

Greens Senate candidate Jane Oakley and Newcastle Greens candidate John Mackenzie made the announcement on Friday.

During the press conference they committed the Greens to a plan which will see up to $500 million delivered each year to frontline services including shelters and crisis phone services.

John Mackenzie also committed the Greens to delivering for perpetrator programs to deal with those who commit domestic violence.

“To really address the issue we have to be focussing on programs and policies that address violence against women and children into the long term,” he said.

“That means preventative programs.  It’s got to be more than advertising programs targeting young boys, it has to be focussed around perpetrator programs.”

Mackenzie also clarified that these programs would identify those “with a history of domestic violence” and would be prioritising them.

The Greens have also called on Labor and the Coalition to match their funding commitments.

“At the moment we’re seeing cuts to crisis accommodation as routine by Governments in this country,” said Mackenzie.

“We’re calling on all of the parties running at this election to match our commitment and really make this a priority issue across the party lines.”

Hunter accommodation crisis

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Family and Community Services Minister Brad Hazzard has called for an urgent review into emergency accommodation in the Hunter for victims of domestic violence.

Hazzard said he is extremely concerned that the department has allowed female victims of domestic violence to be placed in hotels that also accommodate former male inmates.

The call for an urgent review comes after incidents surrounding the safety of women in Hunter accommodation facilities. In March a woman felt safer sleeping in her own car rather than in a NSW Domestic Violence Line-referred room at the Silk Hotel in Newcastle.

Marli Accommodation Services say they carry out risk assessments of men with criminal histories, but privacy legislation stops them learning if a man's background includes violent crimes.

Co-founder of Marli Accommodation Elizabeth Berger agrees more needs to be done to ensure the safety of victims in accommodation facilities.

Maitland MP and shadow minister for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault, Jenny Aitchison, says in 2014 the government combined funding for general homelessness and domestic violence services, clearly not thinking through the ramifications.

Heavyweight Boxer Found Guilty in Domestic Violence Case

Newcastle heavyweight boxer Kyron Dryder was found guilty yesterday of causing actual bodily harm towards former girlfriend  Tori-Lee Hillery last September.

Dryden also pleaded guilty to breaching apprehended violence orders four times in Newcastle Local Court, he will be sentenced in March.

It's a case where social media has remained at the center of the ordeal after Dryden posted the assault to online site Snapchat.

After going public, Hillery received constant abuse from commentators also on social media, who called her "witch", "stupid" and a number of other unsavory terms.

Victims of Crime Assistance League Robyn Coterell-Jones social media can be positive in domestic violence cases, but "there's a lot of negativity".

"It's so much easier to blame the victim and we actually live in a society where blame the victim is very, very common."

One woman dies from domestic violence every week in Australia, yet it goes undocumented, with only 50% of cases going unreported.

"There are children at preschool who live in a who which is controlling and violent and frightening."  says Coterell-Jones.

"We need all our experts, our teachers ... our doctors, our lawyers, all sorts of people to learn about this insidious thing called domestic violence."