Rethinking Responses to Domestic Violence

I come from a position where in 2008 I chaired the Region 3 Family Violence Committee, made up representatives of regional police, family violence workers and courts which made submissions to the Law Reform Commission on Family Violence recommending the introduction of what has become Safety Notices.  This was building on the work by Sgt Brian Wooster (deceased) of Epping and a Detective from Mill Park CIU and research of the West Australia approach.  At that time the Victoria Police Family Violence Unit did not support this approach.

We need to rethink the whole approach to DV rather than attempting to apply yet another bandaid. there is evidence of a crime having been committed, then police should fully investigate and gather all evidence to prosecute. 

If this is not the case then Police would be required to contact a local interdisciplinary agency to contact both parties within 24 hrs (Window of opportunity when parties are more likely to comply - not going to put up with this anymore, the longer the delay the opportunity to positively intervene is more likely to be lost). Failure by either party to co-operate in developing an action plan would mean the matter goes to court for an intervention order hearing. Brochure handed to both parties explaining the process.  

This process would also apply where police were investigating an offence with the following additional action: If an arrest was made and the person is bailed then bail conditions similar to a safety notice would apply.  If no arrest, then a safety notice would be issued.  On appearance at court the interdisciplinary agency would report on progress and if required the court could adjourn the matter for further hearing. 

This approach recognises a dysfunctional relationship (why else would the police be standing in your lounge room at 3.00 am in the morning), rather than becoming embroiled in gender politics and ideology, which as the latest demonstration on the streets of Melbourne shows is only more divisive - Melbourne police have their work cut out as rival groups jostle at men’s rights rally. 

This preventative approach works as demonstrated by the Northern Assessment Referral and Treatment Team which was independently evaluated. The program was recognised at a national level in the Australian Crime and Violence Awards and at a State level in the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards 2006 -   Victorian Public Healthcare Awards  

This approach should be trialled, with parties receiving training and having input into what needs to be done to make this work in their area rather than just a generic approach and then it needs to be evaluated and compared with a similar area. 

We also need to examine what does the research say - what are the rates per head of population of deaths and assaults in family violence settings? Do the statistics indicate it is safer today when it comes to family violence? Is what we are doing now achieving better outcomes? How do the States compare? What has changed since the introduction in Victoria to a pro-arrest approach in 2003?    

Let's get the conversation started.