Police Minister Paul Papalia points to increased reporting to explain Kimberley domestic violence surge

Recent crime statistics have revealed domestic violence in the Kimberley is dramatically higher than in the metropolitan area with Police Minister Paul Papalia attributing the disparity to an increase in reporting. According to the numbers, family assaults in the Kimberley were 17 times higher than in the metro area with 11,366 family assaults per 100,000 people in the Kimberley compared to 681.8 family assaults per 100,000 in the metropolitan area for 2022-23. Serious family assaults in the Kimberley were also 23 times higher than the metropolitan area rate with 3639.7 incidents per 100,000 people in the Kimberley. It comes as the number of family related offences reported increased by almost 35 per cent last year across the State compared to the five-year average, according to police statistics. When confronted with the extent of domestic violence in the region on a recent trip to Broome, Mr Papalia said the disparity could be attributed to an increase in reporting. “Undeniably, there would have been a time when domestic violence in communities was just not visible and would not have been investigated by police. That is no longer the case, “ he said. “As I said before, with respect to domestic violence, we are focused on looking for ways to get better outcomes. The police are responding to it far better than they ever did before and that’s part of what’s going on.” Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna echoed the minister, pointing to a decrease in stigma in reporting domestic violence to police. “In the last few years there has been a rise in combating the stigma and being OK about reporting but also being open to deal with domestic violence situations and strengthening families,” she said. Minister Papalia said Australia’s colonial history had also contributed to the massive rate of domestic violence in the region. “I think what you’re seeing here in the Kimberley is the result of decades, if not a couple of hundred years, of disadvantage and disempowerment,” he said. “It’s a problem that has built over a very, very long period of time and it’s a challenge that won’t be overcome in a hurry.” Ms D’Anna said the Government was on the right path but more could always be done. “There is a lot of generational trauma that is concentrated up here in the north, more than in the metro area I believe,” she said. “I think there are some good programs and support systems that are currently here but there’s always a need to have more support. I think we’re on the path and that’s what’s important.” But Liberal Mining and Pastoral MLC Neil Thomson slammed the minister’s comments, declaring domestic violence in the Kimberley is an “epidemic”. “It is an insult to every victim of domestic violence for the minister to constantly trot out the same issues, whether it be disadvantage or better reporting, as an excuse for inaction,” he said. “This is not just a remote community issue, nor is it simply an Aboriginal disadvantage issue. The fact is there is an epidemic of family violence in our region and there are simply no excuses. “We need the State Government to listen and act, on everything from investments in urban and housing renewal to ensuring that there are enough beds in safe places for the victims to escape danger and programs for victim support. “We need to ensure there are affordable accommodation options for women and children, in particular, who need to get out of harm’s way. We need proper funding for intensive programs of rehabilitation and education where there is a risk of perpetration.” It comes after two women, Georgia Lyall and Tiffany Woodley, were allegedly killed by their partners less than two weeks apart earlier this month, leading to domestic violence advocates to call for an emergency meeting with Premier Roger Cook.