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VICPOL: not all abuse scars are physical

Victoria Police Western Region Division Four family violence training officer Senior Sergeant Simone Field said, historically, police would look at broken bones, doctors' reports, photographed bruises, cuts and property damage for evidence of criminal assault or damage.

Published: 9 June 2024
  • vic
  • 9 June 2024
  • Wimmera Mallee News

However, that is no longer the case.

“Certainly, in the last five years particularly, all the emphasis has been on emotional harm and behaviours that are controlling,” Sen Sgt Field said.

“Coercive control - that word is relatively new to this space, even for the services - and elder abuse, emotional abuse and financial abuse; all of those themes are equally as important as physical evidence and we are training police in understanding how damaging they can be."