Western Australian Greens Senator Dorinda Cox, a former police officer and advocate for combating domestic violence, expressed her lack of surprise upon hearing allegations of police inaction. Cox urged governments to disarm men who have access to weapons that are contributing to the high rates of violence against women in Australia. As the Greens’ First Nations spokeswoman, Cox highlighted the crisis point that violence against women has reached in the country, referencing recent high-profile deaths as proof of the severity of the issue. She criticized the underfunding of domestic violence services and noted the strain on the state’s police force, citing a lack of resources and workforce as contributing factors to the challenges in addressing domestic violence cases effectively.
Having worked for the police in the 1990s and early 2000s before transitioning to roles in organizations focused on tackling violence against women, Cox raised concerns about the lack of resources within the WA Police force. She mentioned a recent international recruitment drive by the force to replace senior officers as an indication of the broader issue of workforce shortages. Cox emphasized that when domestic violence cases come to the attention of authorities, there tends to be a lack of resources, hindering their ability to address such cases effectively. She highlighted the need for a more robust response to domestic violence cases and advocated for independent oversight of police investigations, especially in cases involving First Nations women.
In response to the internal investigation announced by WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch following allegations that police ignored warnings about an individual who went on to commit a violent crime, Cox expressed her lack of trust in such internal procedures. Given the history of cases involving First Nations women and the need for independent oversight in such instances, Cox emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in police investigations. She criticized the lack of diversity in the panel announced by the federal government to conduct a rapid review of domestic violence in Australia, pointing out the oversight of not including a First Nations woman on the panel.
Cox’s call for stronger measures to address the issue of domestic violence in Australia reflects her deep commitment to combating violence against women. Her insights, drawn from her experience working in law enforcement and advocacy roles, highlight the systemic challenges and resource constraints that complicate efforts to address domestic violence effectively. By emphasizing the need for independent oversight and a more inclusive approach to reviewing and addressing domestic violence cases, Cox underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in ensuring justice for victims and their families. Her critique of police responses to domestic violence cases and the broader systemic issues at play serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to address the root causes of gender-based violence in the country.
