Alexis team helps Sarah to build trust
BY LERISSE SMITH
Sarah* knows firsthand what it is like to be impacted by family violence.
The victim-survivor also knows how the partnership between the police and the Alexis team helped her build trust in the police and open up about her experience.
“I have repeatedly stated that I would never have been able to trust the police and share my story if it were not for the swift and collaborative intervention by the Family Violence Unit and Alexis practitioners,” she said.
Her story began last year when the Family Violence Unit (FVU) and the Alexis team conducted a joint assertive outreach response to a local hospital in response to a recent family violence incident at Sarah’s home.
The day prior to the hospital visit, police officers had been called to a scene of significant family violence after Sarah reported a disturbance between herself and her partner of six months, Tim*.
When police arrived on the scene, they found both Sarah and Tim with visible injuries and signs of severe violence. At this time, police identified Sarah as the primary aggressor due to her heightened presentation and non-compliance with responding officers.
Tim appeared calm and collected, providing a seemingly convincing account of the events. Sarah was arrested and transferred to the local police station for further investigation.
However, shortly after the arrest, the police team realised Sarah had been misidentified and arranged for her to be transported to the hospital for medical care. At this time, the FVU notified the Alexis team of the case, and a joint response was arranged.
Whilst in the hospital, the coordinated and collaborative response between the FVU and Alexis team repaired Sarah’s relationship with the police. She felt comfortable sharing her experience of family violence and provided an initial statement.
Sarah actively engaged in comprehensive safety and risk management planning, whilst collaborative efforts were also made to locate Tim and execute a full intervention order.
While the investigation is ongoing, Sarah has continued to work with the Alexis team almost daily and was subsequently discharged into Salvation Army emergency accommodation where she has accepted additional practical assistance and ongoing therapeutic supports.
*Not their real names. Their identity is protected due to safety and confidentiality reasons.
