Police trial targeting repeat domestic violence offenders should expand

Wednesday 24 February 2016

The success of a trial at St George Local Area Command, targeting repeat offenders of domestic and family violence, shows that well targeted and resourced responses to perpetrators can keep women and children safer according to the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS).

NCOSS CEO Tracy Howe said timely, integrated and innovative services that support women and children and break the cycle of violence were needed to reduce crisis levels of violence in the community.

“Police officers work tirelessly to bring domestic and family violence offenders to justice. 

“But what’s been missing is a proactive approach like this which supports police in their work by genuinely holding perpetrators of domestic and family violence accountable for their actions.

“It’s great to see St George Local Area Command trial this response and it’s great to see it working.

“I look forward to seeing this response more broadly rolled out across the state.”

Ms Howe said she hoped this would form part of a broader, long-term response that ensures women and children must have access to the right support, at the right time. 

“The $60 million package to target perpetrators and support women, men and children who have experienced domestic and family violence announced last year was an extremely positive start to the response we need as a community.

“Hopefully we will see this form a strong platform from which to make significant advances in reducing domestic and family violence and contribute to a longer term strategy that will deliver the changes we need to see.”