Senior sergeant Amanda Ahearn wants to let the community know just how massive a problem family and domestic violence is in Mandurah and the Peel region.
As the south metropolitan police district’s victim support coordinator and board member of Allambee Counselling, which offers support for the victims of domestic violence, Snr Sgt Ahearn has seen first hand how bad the problem has become.
She said she doesn’t think people understand how widespread an issue domestic violence is.
“Until you actually work in the service where you’re seeing referrals, people just don’t realise how big it is,” she said.
“People don’t like to tell their family or their friends and that should be part of a safety plan and, especially if they have restraining orders, we often get them to advise their neighbours to say whether he or she [the perpetrator] has come back to the house.
“It’s still something that’s quite a hidden thing, but we want that to come out now, we want it to be quite open, and that’s the purpose of the march to say what a big issue it is.”
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Snr Sgt Ahearn has been marching in the Peel Silent Domestic Violence Memorial March, which remembers those killed by abusive partners, since it began seven years ago.
She said she marched to raise awareness of the problem, but to also send the message that police are taking the issue seriously.
“We just want to make sure that people are aware that domestic violence is a big issue and that the police in particular are taking it seriously and also we’re here to help people have confidence in the police so they can report,” she said.
The march was always an emotional experience, and Snr Sgt Ahearn said police were deeply affected by working with victims.
“Some people will be getting emotional, if you personalise it a little bit with an incident you’ve had yourself or for us in here, if we’re talking about a homicide, it does become a bit more emotional for people if you’re dragging up memories,” she said.
“But we look at this as a way we can really express the whole problem and get it out there.”
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Snr Sgt Ahearn urged people to speak up if they knew about a domestic violence incident.
“Don't remain silent. If you know of somebody, just say to them that you’re not happy with the way they’re coming into work upset, or if they’ve got injuries,” she said.
“We can take anonymous calls as well, if you have a neighbour that you’re concerned about.
“We often get neighbours calling up saying I can hear the lady next door screaming or something like that.
“Don’t stay silent, just assist people, as long as your own safety is not in jeopardy.”
The Silent march is coordinated through support services Allambee Counselling and Pat Thomas House.
The event will begin at 10am, Friday, November 24 at Mewburn Gardens on Sholl Street, Mandurah.
The Silent March will travel along Mandurah Terrace to the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre for light refreshments.
Music will be provided by students from Halls Head College.
How to report family or domestic violence
Call police on 131 444 to report an incident of family and domestic violence. People with hearing impairments can call TTY 106.
Questions you may be asked:
- The address where the incident is taking place.
- Your name and telephone number.
- The offender's name, age and date of birth.
- Are there any weapons involved? Are you able to describe them?
- Are you the victim? If no, what's the victim's name?
To make an anonymous report contact Crimestoppers on 1300 333 000 or online at crimestopperswa.com.au.
Nathan Hondros
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
Senior Journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, and Fairfax Media.
