Male Victims of Domestic Violence
Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes: My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Primary Industries, representing the Minister for Community Services. Is the Minister aware of recent figures from the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics that show a dramatic increase of 159 per cent in the number of women charged with domestic violence abuse? Is the Minister aware that some battered men are hiding in shame, fearful of being ridiculed and afraid of restraining their wives in fear of being charged with assault and domestic violence? In particular, is the Minister aware that these offences range from hot liquids being poured over the victims to being attacked with knives while sleeping and being cut or burned? Given the social stigma attached to male victims of domestic violence, what programs will be established to provide both social and legal services for men and their children who are victims of domestic abuse, to encourage male victims to report domestic abuse to the authorities, and to educate women and the wider community about male victims of domestic violence?
The Hon. Ian Macdonald: Today outside Parliament House the Minister for Community Services launched a domestic violence program. The member asked a serious question and I undertake to refer it to the appropriate Minister.
Deferred answer
On 23 June 2009 Reverend the Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes asked the Minister for Primary Industries, representing the Minister for Community Services, a question without notice regarding male victims domestic violence. The Minister for Community Services provided the following response:
I am aware of recent NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research data relating to trends in the rate of ‘persons of interest’ (POIs) proceeded against by Police for assault. And yes, these figures indicate steady, significant increases over the last 10 years in the rate of women being proceeded against by Police for domestic violence related assault.
The Department of Community Services is responsible for the Integrated Domestic and Family Violence Services Program, which consists of seven projects located across the State. This Program is part of the Government’s new approach to addressing domestic and family violence.
These projects provide services for all victims of domestic and family violence, whether they are male or female. Activities undertaken by the projects include case management, crisis support, comprehensive risk and needs assessment of clients, and education activities to increase community understanding of and responses to people experiencing domestic and family violence.