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26 Jun 2012
Hi Jude, my neighbours are Chinese (they don't speak much English) and they often talk outside at night. I don't understand what they are saying, but sometimes they are yelling. I've been told that Cantonese often sounds like an argument to speakers of other languages even when it's not, but a couple of months ago it escalated and the police were called. I heard the father being arrested and charged with assaulting his daughter. There are young children in the house too, I think they are primary school aged. I haven't seen the daughter since so I don't know if she still lives there. Last night they were talking again, I really can't tell if it's just conversation or a fight, but I can't think why else they would do it outside (where the whole neighbourhood can hear but not understand) or inside where the children could hear. I don't know them well enough to speak to them and I don't want to get involved in their affairs but I'd like them to get help if they need it. What should I do?

Thank you for writing in and I really appreciate you for caring and asking what options you have and how you can help. You are doing what we want everyone to do if they have concerns about a family who may be experiencing family violence. Well done!

If the father has previously been arrested and charged with assaulting his daughter then I would suggest that if you have any concerns at all you ring the Police. There is a history there so it would not be wise to leave it to chance. It is always better to contact the authorities and be wrong than do nothing and there be a fatality. That would be very difficult to live with.

I would like to suggest that you give our information line on 0800 456 450 a call and ask them about Chinese Family Violence Prevention Services. You can give them a call, share what is happening and they will be able to give you some advice on what to do.

Another thing to know is that the Police can access interpreters when needed so that would help them gain a clear understanding of what is going on and how best to deal with the situation.

I would encourage you to keep ringing the Police and share your concerns, as I mentioned earlier, it's better to be safe than sorry, especially if there are children in the house.

Thank you again for speaking out.

Jude


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10 Jun 2013
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