21 November 2011
Hamilton Police concerned about neighbours ignoring the cries of a women subjected to a savage beating during a weekend domestic dispute say the days of what happens behind closed doors staying behind them are over.
City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay, said investigators called to an incident in Fairfield early on Sunday morning believe the 28-year-old female victim had been subjected to a prolonged assault over several hours.
"It appears from follow up investigations that a number of people heard the woman's screams on Saturday but no-one called Police.
"Finally early Sunday morning one person had heard enough and called Police. While we're grateful for this call we believe other people could have intervened far earlier in the piece."
Mr Lindsay said the 25-year-old man arrested at the scene faces a charge of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and is lucking not to be facing more serious charges.
"The woman was taken to Waikato Hospital suffering from fractured ribs, a fractured wrist, kidney damage, lacerations and bruising to her head. To say this type of behaviour is not OK would be playing lip service to the issue of Domestic Violence, this type of behaviour can and will not be tolerated.
"We're asking people who know of this type of behaviour occurring, how would they feel if it was their daughter, sister, mother or grandmother being subjected to this type of treatment and people stood by and did noting? Not doing anything about it is what's not OK."
Last week Hamilton Police spoke about how people finding themselves in violent domestic situations should seek help at the earliest opportunity.
This week they say people who know what's going on should also seek help.
"It's not a case of being a nosy neighbour, in situations like this you could be a life saver.
"If something is going on you need to tell someone, call 111 or if for what ever reason you're not able to speak to us directly call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. While we would always prefer to speak to people directly the key thing is we need to know when something is happening."
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