THE police, even when resources are stretched, try to respond to a call of a domestic violence but when they arrive, there seems to be little they can do under the law.
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Perhaps the police did not see the incident — there may be a lack of witnesses, with no person willing to press charges, especially if it means a court appearance with little acceptable evidence.
We are faced with the old problem — if a person is assaulted in the street it is an offence, if it happens in the home, the legal situation becomes doubtful.
When an aggressor enters the home without invitation, or perhaps illegally and violently, or violent behaviour occurs in the home, the police need the authority to remove that person, for the safety of the others in the home and for the wellbeing of the neighbours.
The legal issues around violence and especially violence in the home, must be discussed and addressed.
A society cannot survive a breakdown in law and order.
— ANN BRENNAN,
West Albury
