1. VAW in Australia- The Frontline Narrative of a Multicultural Officer
Sunita Kotnala
Consultant Social Policy and International Development

2. VAW in Australia
Domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault is a criminal offence in Australia
DV and Family violence continue to be a major social issue nationally
National Plan to reduce violence against women and their children
Support services and programs across government agencies
Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officers , Multicultural Cultural Liaison Officers or equivalent across all jurisdictions

3. NSW Multicultural Community Liaison Officer (MCLO) Program
Civilian officers to improve communication for better policing and police:
Victim & language support
Compliance monitoring
Complaints
Capacity Building
Education & Training
Community development
Peace building activities

4. Key challenges for MCLO
Prejudicial policing/ personal attitudes
Mistrust of authority, reluctance to report crime
Cultural practices and attitudes towards DV
Limited understanding of Australian legal system
Individual rights and responsibilities regarding DV
Lager community attitudes
Capacity of service providers- Government & NGO

5. Achievements of MCLO program
Increase in DV reporting from multicultural communities
Improved outcomes in courts for victims
Increased budget for interpreter and language support
Reduction in costs awarded by courts
Improved interagency communication & collaboration
Amendments to legislation & policing practice
Better understanding of individual rights and responsibilities within Australian legal system

6. References
NSW Police Force Priorities for Working in a Culturally, Linguistically and Religiously Diverse Society-
The National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their children
Bridging the data gaps for domestic and family violence services
Code of Practice for the NSW Police Force Response to Domestic Violence and family Violence