“I am writing to raise concerns about how a local person with autism has been treated when trying to contact police on the Mornington Peninsula.
The person has been physically assaulted more than once in the past 12 months. Some incidents were captured on CCTV. Despite this, the response has been slow, and the victim has struggled to get clear updates or reassurance that the matter is being progressed.
When the victim has called the local police station to follow up, they have repeatedly had the call ended abruptly. The victim has also been told, or left with the impression, that they have been blocked from calling the station. Police deny that anyone can be blocked, however the victim’s experience suggests something is preventing their calls from being handled properly.
I am also concerned that there does not appear to be a dedicated disability liaison officer or equivalent role available locally, despite liaison roles existing for other community groups.“
Note: Name and contact details supplied to the editor.
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