Calls to fast-track solutions to tackle the rise in domestic violence

A YEAR ago Premier Jay Weatherill promised to release a discussion paper proposing solutions to curb the rise in family violence. Today, his Government faces growing calls to fast-track much-needed changes. LAUREN NOVAK reports.

Domestic violence campaigner and 2015 Australian of the year Rosie Batty at Adelaide Town Hall. Picture: TAIT SCHMAAL

• Labor MP Emma Husar breaks down as she recalls her tragic tale of domestic violence
• Horrifying figures show rise in domestic violence in SA

A YEAR ago Premier Jay Weatherill promised to release a discussion paper proposing solutions to curb the rise in family violence. Today, his Government faces growing calls to fast-track much-needed changes. LAUREN NOVAK reports.

 

AT least 61 women have died at the hands of a partner or ex-partner in Australia so far this year.

In an ambitious move, the Victorian Government this week vowed to reduce to zero the number of deaths in that state resulting from family violence.

The South Australian Government has also set out a blueprint to curb the social scourge but is facing criticism that it is dragging the chain.

On White Ribbon Day today, advocates have called for authorities to fast-track practical changes which will help victims and change attitudes.

Anti-violence campaigner and 2015 Australian of the Year Rosie Batty wants every man who abuses his partner or his children to be made to undergo counselling or rehabilitation.

Ms Batty has urged the State Government to significantly boost investment and research in programs that aim to change men’s violent and abusive behaviour.

On White Ribbon Day last year, Premier Jay Weatherill pledged to release a discussion paper on new ways to tackle family violence.

The paper was eventually released in July but the Government is yet to make any decisions.

One of the questions it posed was whether abusers placed on intervention orders – to keep them away from their victims – should be made to undergo drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation “when there is evidence to suggest that (substances) have played a part in the defendant’s domestic violence offending”.

Ms Batty said authorities should treat every offender “as if they can change” and provide them with the opportunity.

Marcia Neave AO led the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence. Picture: EUGENE HYLAND

“I’ve been really surprised at how slow they’ve been to actually recognise the benefits of men’s behavioural change programs,” she told The Advertiser.

“As far as I’m concerned, everybody (who perpetrates abuse) should have to go through such a program. The problem is there hasn’t been the investment in them.”

Ms Batty acknowledged concerns in some quarters that there was not enough evidence available on which programs and approaches work best but argued this showed the need for more investment, not less.

Attorney-General John Rau said the Government had received 75 written submissions in response to its discussion paper and 510 responses to an online survey.

A further 119 submissions were lodged by people working in the domestic violence sector.

Mr Rau said the issues raised in the discussion paper “were complex and the feedback we received was wide-ranging”.

“The feedback is being considered and advice for reform based on this is being prepared,” he said.

“The reform under these complex topics requires thorough consideration to ensure the right solutions are reached.”

However, Opposition Deputy Leader Vickie Chapman has been scathing of the Government’s approach.

“It is simply outrageous that, a year after the issues paper was announced, we still don’t have any funding, policy announcements or legislation supporting domestic violence reform,” she said.

“Compared to South Australia, Queensland (authorities) have passed five domestic violence laws in the last 12 months.”

This morning, more than 1200 people will gather in Adelaide for the annual White Ribbon campaign breakfast to hear Marcia Neave AO, who led the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence.

She delivered a final report earlier this year, following a 13-month inquiry.

Yesterday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews released a 10-year plan – acting on the Commission’s recommendations – that included a “very ambitious” target to reduce family violence deaths to zero over the long term.

At least 61 women have died at the hands of a partner or ex-partner in Australia this year.

“If 45 Victorians were killed by complete strangers, we would be quick to act,” he said.

There has been progress in South Australia, including the awarding this week of an Australian Crime and Violence Prevention national award to the YWCA for its Rise Above the Pack campaign.

It encouraged men to call out bad behaviour by other men by profiling the views of well-known South Australian male leaders, including the Premier, Police Commissioner, city councillors and sportsmen.

Premier Jay Weatherill announced yesterday the formation of Women’s Safety Services SA, which brings together three existing domestic violence services.

WSSSA executive director Maria Hagias said the model would reduce costs, enable better information sharing and “mean that at a time of significant trauma for women, we will minimise her anxiety by eliminating her having to tell her story more than once”.

For advice and support phone 1800 RESPECT or 1800 VICTIM. In an emergency call triple zero.

 

Moves to halt the cycle

 

Some of the initiatives that the State Government is considering to tackle domestic violence are outlined in a discussion paper released in July, including:

A DISCLOSURE scheme that would enable people with concerns to ask authorities for details about a partner’s criminal history.

ALLOWING police to use video evidence of domestic violence victims in court.

IMPOSING a time limit on intervention orders put in place to protect victims.

“FLAGGING” charges and convictions to better track the incidence of domestic violence.

METHODS to get more perpetrators to undergo rehabilitation.

BETTER protecting the confidentiality of victims who speak to counsellors.

OFFERING more emergency housing.

ENSURING employers, landlords and others cannot discriminate against someone because they are experiencing family violence.