NSW Police has today launched a new trial across the Sutherland Shire and St George that will target domestic violence offenders.
The pilot program will see police conducting compliance checks on people who have apprehended domestic violence orders against them.
This trial was in response to research that showed offenders were likely to commit acts of domestic violence within days of having an order imposed.
Under the trial police will target the offenders to make sure they are abiding by the order.
It will also help to remove the onus on the victim to report breaches of orders.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller said any strategy that proactively targets offenders is extremely positive.
“Historically, we have been focused on investigating domestic and family violence offences and providing support to victims – and the importance of this work cannot be understated,” he said.
“However, this trial is about putting the shoe on the other foot, and targeting domestic and family violence offenders before they commit another crime.
“We’re not looking at any aspect of this complex crime in isolation – this strategy reinforces the fact that we must address this issue holistically by working with key stakeholders, and members of the community. "
“As a society, we all must come together to change attitudes around domestic and family violence – and one way we can do that is to see it for what it truly is – a serious crime that will not be tolerated.’’
