Suspected perpetrators of domestic violence will now have to wear GPS-monitored ankle bracelets as part of tougher bail reforms from the New South Wales government.
The announcement follows a review of the state's bail conditions for suspected domestic abusers, launched following the alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst.
The man charged with Ticehurst's alleged murder – Daniel Billings – had been released on bail on charges of raping, stalking and intimidating Ticehurst just 15 days before her death. These terrible circumstances led to an immediate review of bail conditions for serious offenders, and the State Government immediately responded by tightening the conditions under which offenders could be released on bail.
“It is now harder for suspected perpetrators of domestic violence to obtain bail, but if they do, these new monitoring arrangements will ensure that correctional authorities can keep an eye on their movements,” New South Deputy Premier Prue Car said Wales.
Although electronic monitoring of offenders already exists, recent reform measures aim to build on this to alert New South Wales Police if the suspected offender enters a prohibited location.
The prohibited list covered the locations most frequently visited by victims and survivors and generally included areas around homes, schools and workplaces.
Responding to the changes, NSW Women's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin explained the immediate impact the reforms would have. “These changes will provide victims and survivors of domestic and family violence with greater reassurance and support them in their safety planning while the matter is heard in court.” »
In line with the reforms, the New South Wales Government has also introduced legislation to strengthen the powers of courts to impose conditions on alleged perpetrators of domestic violence in order to deal with and prevent re-offending.
“This is part of a coordinated, multi-pronged response to tackle domestic and family violence in our state, including early intervention and primary prevention,” said New South Wales Domestic Violence Minister Jodie Harrison.
Adding: “The New South Wales Government is also working with the sector and survivors as we continue to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed support to victims and survivors fleeing violence.” »
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call 1800 737 732.
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