Criminologist Dr. Vincent Hurley Criticizes Political Focus Amid Gender-Based Violence Crisis
Former police officer and criminologist Dr. Vincent Hurley recently delivered a strong address to politicians during a Q+A episode in late April 2024. He criticized their focus on party policies amid a national debate on gender-based violence, following widespread rallies across Australia protesting a rise in such violence, which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared a "national crisis."
Dr. Hurley expressed frustration at politicians for discussing party policies when one woman is reportedly murdered every four days in the country.
Decades on the Front Line: A Policing Perspective
Dr. Hurley's critique is informed by nearly 30 years on the front line of family and domestic violence, starting his policing career in the 1980s in Sydney's outer north-western suburbs. He described domestic incidents as comprising approximately 80 percent of police work at the time, recalling one night with 20 such calls.
He felt the work was often futile due to inadequate mechanisms to protect women. While experiencing personal violence during these calls, Dr. Hurley emphasized that the enduring impact of trauma on victims, not the violence itself, affected him most. He noted that victims' full potential in society is often unrealized due to coercion and control.
Insights from High School Engagement
Currently, Dr. Hurley volunteers at Sydney high schools, educating senior students about unsafe relationships and the prevalence of violence against women. Through this work, he observed that some 14-to-17-year-olds perceive domestic violence as a "private crime," associating the term "domestic" with personal arguments.
Proposed Shift in Language
Based on his observations, Dr. Hurley advocates for simplifying the terminology around domestic violence.
He proposes removing the word "domestic" and using "violence against women and girls" instead. He argues that "domestic" softens the perception of the crime and fails to convey its brutality or gendered nature.
Police Response: Past and Present
Dr. Hurley acknowledges that the police response to gender-based violence has "dramatically improved" since his early career. This improvement is attributed to a cultural shift within the police force, legislative changes, and the implementation of pro-arrest policies to enhance victim safety.
However, he expressed regret over situations where he felt unable to adequately protect women and children, especially during an era when women's refuges were underfunded and their locations undisclosed to police. Early police training in his time included only 12 weeks with no specific domestic violence education, a significant contrast to today's 18 months of training that includes social issues.
Compassion in Crisis: The Negotiator's Role
During his eight years as a police negotiator, Dr. Hurley frequently responded to sieges involving family members or individuals in mental health crises. He relied on compassion, empathy, and active listening to de-escalate tense situations. He recounted a specific instance where he successfully intervened with a young woman on the verge of suicide, receiving a hug, which he described as a uniquely rewarding experience.
Retirement and Continued Impact
After 29 years of service, Dr. Hurley was medically retired from the NSW Police Force in 2010. He subsequently pursued an academic career, earning a PhD in criminology, teaching at universities, and contributing to state government domestic violence policy. He reflects on missing aspects of police work, including the action and camaraderie, and often wonders about the individuals he assisted during his career.