ACT Policing’s Crime Prevention Team has this week launched a new family violence campaign as part of National Youth Week celebrations which commence this weekend (April 10).
The ‘You Can Speak Out’ campaign aims to raise youth awareness on family violence issues that affect young people within our community and to encourage young people to speak out and report family violence incidents to police.
Despite what is commonly believed family violence is not limited to relationships between husbands, wives and their children.
Family violence also includes violence and abusive behaviour between defacto couples, gay and lesbian couples, boyfriends and girlfriends and even extended family members.
Acting Sergeant Mark Rowswell of ACT Policing’s Crime Prevention Team said that the safety and protection of young people is essential.
“Every child and young person within our community has a right to a safe environment and this is a priority for ACT Policing, Acting Sergeant Rowswell said.
“Unfortunately, family violence does affect young people but our aim is to let the community know that they are not alone and that police and other support services can help.
“ACT policing urges victims of crime to speak out about family violence and to report incidents to police by calling Police Operations on 131-444”.
For more information on family violence please visit www.afp.gov.au
To report domestic violence or for police attendance please call ACT Police Operations on 131-444. In a life threatening emergency call 000 (Triple Zero) immediately.
For support call the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) 02 6280 0900 (24 hours) or go to the website www.dvcs.org.au