ALBURY police’s domestic violence officer is out to break the cycle.
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Sen-Constable Joanne Gallant has worked in the area for so long, she’s seen children grow into offenders.
But now, with a new officer to help, she hopes to put enough programs in place to make more of a difference.
Sen-Constable Alicia Langman started last month and the former Sydney-based officer is already chasing funding for the Love Bites program in Border schools with workshops teaching teenagers about respectful relationships.
“You try to break the cycle,” Sen-Constable Langman said.
Up to 130 cases of domestic violence a month are reported in the Albury Local Area Command, leaving little time for pro-active work.
Sen-Constable Gallant said the arrival of Sen-Constable Langman would allow them to check up on repeat victims and ensure offenders complied with court orders.
“I’m excited because I know that we can achieve so much,” Sen-Constable Gallant said.
She deals with the effects of domestic violence every day — she has seen women beaten beyond recognition.
And after eight years in the field, she’s seeing children who have grown up to become perpetrators themselves.
“It’s a bit scary,” she said.
Sen-Constable Langman said programs like Love Bites may be able to break the cycle.
“You’re trying to stop the issue,” she said.