Alleged domestic violence offenders on bail in NSW to be monitored by GPS

Serious perpetrators of domestic violence released on bail in NSW will now be subject to 24-hour monitoring while awaiting sentencing, in a bid to protect victim-survivors of domestic violence.

Beginning October 11, alleged perpetrators charged but not yet convicted of serious crimes of domestic violence will be required to wear electronic monitoring bracelets. These bracelets, equipped with GPS technology, allow Corrective Services NSW to track their location and alert police if the offender breaches their bail conditions by going to certain locations, such as home, l a victim’s school and workplace.

“Domestic and family violence disproportionately affects women, so it is vital for the NSW Government to continue to implement reforms like this to better protect women at risk across the community” , the NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner said. Hannah Tonkin said.

“These changes will give victims and survivors of domestic and family violence greater peace of mind and support them in their safety planning while the matter proceeds through the courts. »

The recent changes are the result of a set of reforms introduced by the Prime Minister. Chris Minns in May, after public anger over the deaths of several female victims of domestic violence crimes, including the tragic death of a 28-year-old woman. Molly Ticehurstwho was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend two weeks after appearing in court charged with rape and intimidation.

These reforms aim in particular to make it more difficult for defendants to be released on bail by requiring bail decisions to be made only by judges and magistrates. They must also now take into account the factors of domestic violence and the point of view of the victim and their family members.

“It is now more difficult for suspected perpetrators of domestic violence to obtain bail, but if they do, these new surveillance arrangements ensure that correctional services will be able to keep tabs on their movements,” said the Deputy Prime Minister. Prue car explain.

Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin believes the reforms “will better protect at-risk women throughout the community.”

“These changes will give victim-survivors of domestic and family violence greater peace of mind and support their safety planning while the matter is processed through the courts,” she said.

Although location monitoring devices have been used to track perpetrators of domestic violence in NSW since 2016, they have only been used to a limited extent.

Currently, 1,100 people are being monitored by the Corrective Services team who monitor their whereabouts in real time. If the suspected offender enters an area he is not supposed to enter, the police are immediately informed.

“Expanding our existing electronic monitoring system allows us to track suspected perpetrators of serious domestic violence,” said the Acting Commissioner of Corrections. Leon Taylor said, by The Sydney Morning Herald.

“If we have concerns about someone in need of protection, the corrections team will be able to pick up the phone and alert them of a possible bail breach in real time, allowing them to implements its security plan.”

According to Destroy The Joint – a community activist group – 54 women have been killed by violence in Australia this year.

Help is available.

If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.

If you would like to speak to someone about domestic violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.

Under 25? You can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.