Abuse and thefts on rise in SA
Domestic and family abuse, shop thefts and petrol station drive-offs are all on the rise in South Australia, according to the latest crime statistics.
SA Police statistics for the year to April showed a 13 per cent increase in family and domestic abuse-related offences.
There were 12,465 offences reported to police – an increase of 1479 compared to the previous corresponding period.
The figures come six months after the opening of the first Domestic Violence Prevention and Recovery Hub in Adelaide, and days before the state’s Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence begins on July 1.
The South Australian Royal Commission has been allocated $3 million and one year to report back. The Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence which was established in 2015 and delivered 227 recommendations, cost $40 million.
Minister for Women and the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Katrine Hildyard said the $3 million sat alongside a $1.5 million commitment in the State Budget to establishing a domestic, family and sexual violence response unit.
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“We are confident that the Royal Commissioner and her team will provide valuable insights and recommendations within the allocated budget and timeframe,” Hildyard said.
“The prevalence of violence against women is utterly unacceptable…While it is devastating to see the horrific statistics rise, we are determined to support the brave survivors who have spoken up and reported crimes, to encourage everyone who experiences violence to report and to continue our ongoing, focused work to help stop violence before it starts.”
The latest police statistics also showed sexual assault and related offences recorded a two per cent decrease, with 2404 offences recorded compared to 2461 in the previous period.
The crime statistics also showed petrol and shop theft has increased, with a 6.3 per cent increase in petrol theft incidents making up 8967 incidents meeting the criteria for investigation.
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Police said the actual number of petrol thefts is higher but not all are investigated.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said police were “working intensively with the fuel retail industry for more than a decade to reduce offending, encouraging retailers to introduce crime prevention measures to deter such incidents”.
Theft and related offending increased by nine per cent, in line with national trends.
There was a 23 per cent increase in shop theft, though police attributed the increase to an increase in reporting as opposed to an increase in offending.
Residential break-ins increased by four per cent, with with non-residential properties seeing a seven per cent increase.
Fraud, deception and related offences dropped by 35 per cent, going from 6441 offences to 4217.
But incidents of violence towards police jumped 23 per cent, with 612 offences reported.
If you have been impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence you can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can call 13 YARN on 13 92 76 for free and confidential support.
Men in South Australia concerned about their behaviour can contact Don’t Become That Man on 1300 243 413 or the national Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
