For the next few months GLLO manager Sergeant Scott Davis will be working on Victoria Police’s prejudice motivated crime strategy.
I am delighted to be given the opportunity to step into Scott’s role as manager of Gay and Lesbian Advisory Unit.
In 2011 I will have clocked up 20 years of police service. During this time I have undertaken various general operational police stations and specialised in areas such as the Traffic Management Unit, Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Units, Emergency Communications Centre, the Crime Prevention and Safer Communities Unit, as well as holding a GLLO portfolio.
This time of year means celebrations and joy for many people but can also bring with it anti-social behavior and crime-related issues, where your own personal safety maybe at risk.
The warmer months are upon us, more people will be consuming alcohol and heading out to licensed venues and social gatherings.
Family violence, road trauma and street violence all have major links to alcohol misuse and substance abuse.
We all want people to have a good time, but it’s about taking responsibility for planning and becoming more aware of your own surroundings, behavior, and safety.
While many of us look forward to the holiday season, to some of the GLBTI community, summer holidays can be hard.
This time of year can bring with it extra stress and pressures brought on by a wide range of things, such as mental illness, pressure from family and social commitments, isolation and financial hardship.
It is usually a time where we reflect on our year, the good and the bad experiences. Therefore it is extremely importantly to reach out for help, help others and remain hopeful. There are many support services available.
It can be a very difficult time for those living in fear of violence or abuse in their own homes.
If you are a victim, or if you suspect you know a victim, help is available. Domestic violence is not a private matter and everyone needs to be involved in helping victims.
Take action, report your concerns and seek professional advice and help from the many support services available. A great start is with your local GP.
Alcohol misuse and substance abuse can become an easy outlet for many people and contribute to significant impact on our community and lead to consequences affecting people’s health and wellbeing.
This abuse and misuse is a reminder of the most pressing social issues of our time.
While you are out and about over the holiday season, here are some simple safety reminders and tips:
- Make your plans in advance, where you are going and how you will get home
- Keep track of your drinks
- Never accept drinks from strangers
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended
- Do not isolate yourself
- Take action immediately
- Look after your friends
- If you start to feel very confused, sick, faint or uncoordinated, tell a trusted friend or staff at a venue
- Move away from threatening behaviour
- Beware of your surroundings
- Follow your gut feelings
- Keep to main streets and well-lit areas
- Report and seek assistance immediately from venue staff, ambulance or police.
- If you are out with a friend who has had too much to drink or is clearly suffering from impairment, be aware that their reasoning, instincts and safety awareness may be unsound. It may well be left up to you to assist in preserving their safety.
By thinking ahead, having a plan and ensuring you practice some general safety precautions, you can lessen your chances of injury and becoming a victim.
You will also increase your safety when you are out having fun.
Finally, on behalf of all Victoria Police and our GLLO’s, we’d like to wish you all a safe and wonderful 2011. I look forward to meeting many of you over Midsumma and Pride March.
To find out more about safety visit www.police.vic.gov.au
By Acting Sergeant Electra Wellens, manager Gay and Lesbian Advisory Unit. Email [email protected]
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