Just days after White Ribbon Day, the international campaign to stop violence against women, two people remain in hospital following a domestic incident that occurred in Darwin City last night.
It is alleged that the 44-year-old and his 38-year-old partner were involved in a domestic dispute at the Woolworths Bus Exchange, Cavenagh Street, at approximately 7:00 pm.
Police were called to the scene and located the woman with a large laceration to her cheek.
Sergeant Kaye Pemberton from the Family Violence Unit said that with the assistance of CCTV, the alleged offender was located and arrested a short time later.
“He had also sustained a number of puncture wounds to his chest. Both were conveyed to Royal Darwin Hospital where they remain in a stable condition.
“Investigations into the incident are currently underway, and Police would like to speak to a male bystander who may have also had an altercation with the 44 year-old man.
“In addition, we are urging any other witnesses to this incident to contact Police on 131 444.
“Given that 19 Domestic Violence Orders were taken out since Friday in the Darwin Metropolitan Region, Police are concerned in the lead up to a potentially stressful Christmas period for families.
“Christmas is a time for family and loved ones; we must ensure that we protect those nearest to us.”
In addition to this assault, Katherine Police arrested two men in two separate incidents of Aggravated Assault at Binjari Camp last week.
On Wednesday 23 November, a 21 year-old man from Binjari Camp was arrested on two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of Unlawfully Causing Serious Harm.
It is alleged the man slashed his brother’s forearm with a knife, and threatened his own wife with an axe handle.
Bail has been refused, and he has been remanded in custody until 30 January, 2012.
In a separate incident on Thursday 24 November, a 34 year-old man from Binjari Camp has been charged with Unlawfully Causing Serious Harm, Aggravated Assault and Breach of Bail.
The man allegedly attacked his 28 year-old wife, threatened her with a knife, and then repeatedly struck her with a steel crutch, breaking her arm.
Bail has been refused and he has been remanded in custody until 31 January, 2012.
Senior Sergeant Gavin Kennedy from Katherine Police is disturbed by these abhorrent examples of domestic violence fuelled by excessive alcohol consumption.
“Domestic violence will not be tolerated and is subject to mandatory reporting requirements.
“Police stress that no-one should remain silent in relation to domestic violence on either women or men.
“The public are urged to contact Police on 131 444 to report incidents such as this.”
Media Contacts:
Lisa Hutton
8985 8835
Amy Sloan
8985 8838
