Geraldton officers reflect on other side of domestic violence through donation to Mother’s Day drive

Geraldton police say a donation to a Mid West domestic violence drive ahead of Mother’s Day helped officers reflect on a different side of the issue to what they would normally see.

Blooms the Chemist Geraldton partnered with Desert Blue Connect, calling for community donations for a number of personal care products including shampoo, soap, hygiene products, and toiletries to give to local mothers and families in need.

It was an initiative Geraldton police said they wanted to get behind, with acting officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Mandy Johnson saying officers often only saw one side of domestic violence.

“Usually we see sometimes the not so nice side of things, and it’s a good chance for our officers to feel good about what they’re doing in that role,” she said.

“We’re able to provide something that hopefully is going to just make their day a little bit better.”

Sen. Sgt Johnson and Sgt Gillian Simpson delivered several donated products to Blooms the Chemist earlier this week.

Sgt Simpson said it was an important cause to get behind.

“There’s a lot of victim-survivors that are in need and need support,” she said.

“Sometimes they just don’t have the time or the money to actually go make sure that they have been looked after and put that time to one side for themselves.

“I think it’s very important that the donations go to them.”