July 2009 - Pacific Prevention of Domestic Violence Programme

Participating CountriesCook IslandsThe Domestic Violence Unit is now a standard part of policing for the Cook Island’s Police. It is situated withinthe Family Services Group which includes Youth Aid and now reports to the Operations Inspector to reinforceits front line response.Constable Pauline Rangi is now well established in her role as the O/C of the Domestic Violence Unit.She supports front line staff in domestic violence matters, maintains the domestic violencedatabase that provides vital information to the intelligence unit and will be a subject matter expertin her role. During her first week in the job Pauline was thrown in the deep end with a call fromPunanga Tauturu saying they needed some help with a New Zealand tourist domestic violenceincident. Pauline did the formal interviews, took ownership of the file and did what she expectsall front line staff should do in such incidents. She did an excellent job and proved to herselfthat the process works. It also gave her first hand experience of completing what is requiredfrom first call for service to entering into the database.Mr John RobinsonThis incident also shows the development of the relationship between Punanga Tauturu andthe Cook Island Police that they both have confidence in each other to work closely together Pauline Rangi working her way through a file.with victims to ensure they get good outcomes. The Cook Islands Northern Group of police officers underwent community policing trainingin Rarotonga which includes options for preventing and responding to domestic violence in the outer islands. The PPDVP mentor and Paulinepresented to this group as well. Future plans include maintaining the standards developed, increasing community awareness of the issues bothon Rarotonga and the outer islands and establishing a government response to the consequences of this crime.Mr John RobinsonCook Islands MentorSamoaParticipating CountriesNine mentor deployments have occurred in Samoa since the inception of the Pacific Prevention of DomesticViolence Programme. Within that time the Ministry of Police & Prison Services Domestic Violence Team or‘Vaega O Sauaa I Totonu O Agia’ has also grown and now accommodates nine full time officers in one of theadjoining buildings behind Apia’s main station.While the team is focusing on the recording and appropriate resolutionsof matters of domestic violence, the major focus in Samoa this year willbe centred on whether or not the ‘Family Safety Bill’ currently in draftformat, is passed in Parliament later this year.Inspector Karen SmithSamoa is now able to provide at least two officers on 24-hour coveragefor domestic violence matters. The proactive arm of the team is alsounder development to ensure consistent delivery of all domestic violencetraining to colleagues in general policing and specialised areas.All new recruits receive domestic violence training The DV unit deliversawareness training around domestic violence in conjunction withcommunity policing and or NGO’s to the villages and schools in Samoa.The biggest challenge for the members of the Domestic Violence Team stillremains in terms of meeting the needs and expectations of the community.Inspector Karen SmithSamoa Mentor6Pictured from left to right: Constable Misipele, Constable Mulivai,Corporal Moefetu, Constable Usufono, Constable Johnny, Constable Feagai,Constable Vaalele & Constable Iosefatu (Absent: Constable Fono).