Wagga police responded to 32 incidents of family violence over the weekend, higher than an “appalling” count of 28 incidents in a weekend last month.
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Detective Acting Inspector Phil Malligan said it was concerning to see so many incidents, including one case where a woman was assaulted with a leather whip.
“Police again, on the back of a serious domestic violence weekend only a couple of weeks ago, responded to another 32 incidents within Riverina Police District over the weekend,” he said.
“Certainly, it’s extremely concerning.
“Police believe that it is possibly through increased education people are getting the message which may be causing people to come forward and report these matters.”
Inspector Malligan said the incidents over the weekend involved a mix of recidivist offenders and those who were not previously known to police.
“One particular incident over the weekend was where police arrested a 42-year-old man and police will be alleging that he assaulted his 41-year-old-female victim,” he said.
“He has struck her with a leather whip and she received a number of injuries.
“That person has been charged with a number of offences and he will be appearing in court in Wagga early next year.
“The victim was hospitalised and she has been released.”
Last month, Wagga City Council mayor Greg Conkey said it was “appalling” to see 28 family violence incidents in the lead up to White Ribbon Day and 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
Inspector Malligan said the incidents range from reports on verbal abuse to threats and intimidation to physical violence.
“Any report is serious, but when we’re talking about physical assault it’s certainly concerning,” he said.
Inspector Malligan said there were a variety of ways family violence could be reported to police, including through women’s groups, family services, mental health agencies and Wagga Base Hospital.
“People fell they can come forward and report, which is what we want to see,” he said.