CONTACTING TASMANIA POLICE IN A CRISIS
CALLING 000
When you’re in immediate danger from family violence, calling 000 is the right thing to do. You can also call the Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 811 811
Here’s what you can expect to happen:
When you call 000 you’ll be connected to an emergency operator who will ask you whether you need police, ambulance, or fire services. Tell them you need police and that it’s a family violence emergency. The operator will ask for your location and basic details about what’s happening.
Police Response
Although there are Tasmanian Police Specialist Family Violence Units located in each region of the State, they are not primary responders for family violence. This means your call to 000 to report family violence will be answered by general duties officers from your local police station who will come to your location as quickly as possible. Tasmanian Police Specialist Family Violence Units provide follow-up support
When Police Arrive
It is vital that you stay as calm as you possibly can. Sometime victims are misidentified as perpetrators by police when they are understandably angry and the perpetrator is calm, charming and lies to the police. (link to page on Misidentification)
Here’s what police can do when they arrive:
- Enter the premises: Police can enter premises without a warrant if they reasonably suspect that family violence is being, has been, or is likely to be committed there, using such force as is necessary
- Arrest the person: If police believe family violence has occurred, they can arrest the person without a warrant
- Search: They can search the premises and any people present for objects that may have been used in the violence (like weapons)
- Keep you safe: Their first priority is making sure you and any children are safe
What Happens After an Arrest
If someone is arrested for family violence:
- They may be detained for a period reasonably required to enable police to work out what charges should be laid, carry out a risk screening assessment, complete a safety audit, and implement safety measures
- Someone charged with a family violence offence will not be granted bail unless the court or police officer is satisfied that releasing the person on bail won’t adversely affect the safety, wellbeing and interests of you or any affected children
- The person will be taken to court as soon as reasonably practical
Police Family Violence Orders (PFVOs)
A police officer may make a Police Family Violence Order against someone if the officer is satisfied that the person has committed, or is likely to commit, family violence. This order tells the person not to do certain things, like:
- Commit further family violence
- Come near you or contact you
- Go to certain places at certain times
- Surrender any firearms or weapons
These orders usually last for about 12 months. If someone breaks the order, they can be charged with another criminal offense.
Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
After responding to the immediate crisis, police will:
- Conduct a risk screening to assess whether the violence is likely to happen again or get worse
- Complete a safety audit to work out how to improve your safety
- Connect you with other support services through the Safe at Home program
Follow-Up Support
Specialist Family Violence Units located in each region are responsible for assessing and monitoring all family violence incidents and work to ensure that safety strategies are in place for family violence victims and their children
Once you make a report to general duties officers, the Family Violence Units will automatically be involved in assessing your case and coordinating with Safe at Home partners to develop a safety plan for you.
The Family Violence Units work behind the scenes to assess your situation and coordinate longer-term safety planning. They work as part of the Safe at Home partnership, which brings together police, legal services, counselling services, and other supports.
Tasmania Police Specialist Family Violence Units
Specialist Family Violence Units are responsible for assessing and monitoring all family violence incidents. Their work includes:
- Making sure victims and children affected by family violence are safe
- Bringing perpetrators of family violence to account
- Liaising with Safe at Home partners to ensure safety strategies are in place for victims and their children
- Participating in case management with Safe at Home service providers
- Managing serious and repeat family violence offenders, including those subject to electronic monitoring through ankle bracelets.
- Ensuring the initial police response follows relevant laws, policies and procedures
Where the Family Violence Units Are Located
Specialist Family Violence Units are located in each region
Southern Tasmania:
- Hobart Police Station
- Glenorchy Police Station
- Bellerive Police Station
Northern Tasmania:
- Launceston Police Station
North West Tasmania:
- Devonport Police Station
- Burnie Police Station
How to Contact Them
You don’t usually contact the Family Violence Units directly. Instead:
For emergencies: Call 000
For non-urgent reports:
- Call the Tasmania Police Assistance Line on 131 444
- Visit your local police station in person
- If you have a hearing impairment, call TTY 106
For advice and support without making a police report:
- Call the Family Violence Counselling Support Service on 1800 608 122 (9am-midnight weekdays; 4pm-midnight weekends and public holidays)
For information and referrals:
- Call the Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937 (24/7)