General News
23 December, 2024
Police Station refurbishment creates safe space
Pittsworth Police Station has undergone a refurbishment of the interview room into a safe space for victims and families to confide in the local constabulary.
Born from an increase in domestic and family violence, police stations across Queensland have received funding to create these safe spaces for victims.
Acting Officer In Charge at the Pittsworth Station, Stephen Johnson, said reporting crimes in the past had been a clinical process.
However, with the new safe space, victims will feel more at ease while talking about their experiences.
He said interview techniques have changed over the years and officers, including commissioned officers, have received specific training on victim-orientated questioning, delivered in a caring manner, to make sure victims are respected and traumatised no further by the policing process.
The space is also family friendly.
In the last week, police responded to four domestic violence incidents.
One of those resulted in a person being charged with two breaches of a protection order.
If you, or someone you know, needs support visit www.dvconnect.org or call the helplines 1800 811 811 (womensline) or 1800 600 636 (mensline).
