Domestic violence has long been in the crosshairs of police in Port Stephens and Newcastle.
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Breaking the cycle of family violence, ensuring there’s safe places for victims to seek solace and support and holding perpetrators to account has been something that officers have driven, from not just a professional standpoint but also from a personal one, with many donating their time and expertise outside the line of duty.
Now those efforts and that of the NSW Police will be on show for all to see following a visit from one of Australia’s veteran journalists, Ray Martin.
Mr Martin visited Port Stephens, Newcastle and the Hunter earlier this year to film a segment of his special Dark Secrets: Australia’s Hidden Shame which is set to air on Prime on Sunday, May 28 at 8.30pm.
The show promises to “bring attention to the courageous and often confronting experiences of those facing domestic violence, and the inspirational community leaders, campaigners, police officers and victims who are not going to sit back and let these crimes continue”.
According to Mr Martin, domestic violence is Australia’s most common crime and is often dismissed due to the stigma attached with it.
The Port’s police commander at the time, Superintendent Chris Craner, was tasked with providing Mr Martin an insight into the work NSW Police was doing to tackle the issue.
“Ray and the crew came out and had a look at some of the work NSW Police has been doing particularly with the proactive initiatives.
“He wanted to see what NSW Police Force was doing to address the issue and I think what he left with was a really positive impression of what was happening to fight DV, from the examples given by Port Stephens and Newcastle police.
“The film crew were able to go out with Newcastle officers and film the arrest of a bloke considered a high-risk offender who’d previously evaded police and was wanted on a number of warrants.
“What they saw was six to eight police officers with the dogs barking at the door.
“This wasn’t a drug bust, this was an arrest for domestic violence offences.”
The Sunday night special will also feature Rosie Batty, Domestic Violence Campaigner and Australian of the Year.
