Three core strategies are at the heart of a collaborative approach aimed at reducing the risk of young people reoffending and breaching AVO's.
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On Friday 10 University of Wollongong students presented their findings and recommendations to a panel of senior police and Youth Justice from the Illawarra/Shoalhaven Taskforce to Reduce Domestic Violence Reoffending.
Their recommendations included using visual aides to simplify AVO's, developing an app for support services and introducing more mentoring programs.
Earlier in the year police from Wollongong and Lake Illawarra partnered with Youth Justice and UOW students to develop innovative solutions which would make a positive impact on youth crime rates.
The 10 students were tasked with finding solutions to reduce reoffending, as well as ensuring young people and their carers understood conditions of AVOs and the support services available to them.
The student cohort were given a brief and linked up with a children's court magistrate to enable a better understanding of the justice system.
UOW student Lauren Abdilla said their strategies were a good starting point but more research was required.
Lake Illawarra Police District Commander, Superintendent Dean Smith said the impact of domestic and family violence across all communities is devastating for victims.
"For youth who are involved in these incidents as victims or perpetrators, it is critical that there are appropriate support services and information to assist them," Superintendent Smith said.
"The work by the students on the development of the app and information packages allows us to better connect with our youth and provide them with the tools and information they need to make better decisions, as well as providing a level of support during difficult times."
For youth who are involved in these incidents as victims or perpetrators, it is critical that there are appropriate support services and information to assist them.
- Lake Illawarra Police District Commander, Superintendent Dean Smith
Wollongong Police District Commander, Superintendent Chris Craner praised the collaborative efforts by students, police and justice.
"The enthusiasm and skills of both the students and the University has been outstanding," Superintendent Craner said.
"We believe a collaboration of this nature can make a significant difference in reducing reoffending rates among our young people."
Wollongong Youth Justice psychologist Kylie Patterson said a number of the ideas put forward by students are already in the process of being actioned.
"Youth Justice are committed to addressing a reduction of domestic and family violence for youth and are hoping further collaboration can achieve this as a Premier's priority," Ms Patterson said.
Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
