Domestic abusers to be treated like organised criminals in bid to stop coward attacks

The state’s worst cowards will be treated the same way as organised criminals and could face major court-ordered restrictions on their daily life.

The state’s worst cowards will be treated the same way as organised criminals and could face major court-ordered restrictions on their daily life, as part of sweeping legislation to stamp out the scourge of men cowardly attacking current or former partners.

Legislation to be introduced to parliament this month will create an entirely new scheme to prevent violent men committing coward attacks, and toughen penalties for those who breach apprehended domestic violence orders.

The Minns government will introduce a “Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order” (SDAPO), for the worst alleged offenders, modelled on laws used against the notorious gangsters.

A SDAPO would allow the court to impose “any conditions considered appropriate” to stop a person’s involvement in a coward attack.

That could include “positive obligations,” like informing authorities of any dating profiles, or a condition banning someone from drinking alcohol.

Members of the Blacktown Police Domestic Violence team conducting an arrest after the perpetrator breached an AVO placed on him after many reports against him of domestic violence and AVO breaches. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Police Commissioner or Director of Public Prosecutions will be able to seek a SDAPO in two scenarios.

The SDAPO could be sought against someone convicted of two or more domestic violence offences carrying a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment, or someone charged with a “serious domestic violence offence” against a relative or a current/former intimate partner, even if they have been acquitted.

A SDAPO will last for up to five years. Breaching the order would attract a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment, a $33,000 fine, or both.

The Minns government will introduce new laws to crack down on domestic abuse. Picture:NewsWire/ Monique Harmer

The announcement comes ahead of a national cabinet meeting on Friday where leaders are expected to debate a national domestic violence package.

The SDAPO scheme is part of one of a range of new laws which Premier Chris Minns said “send an important message that the safety of victim-survivors is the priority of the NSW justice system”.

A new offence will be created for someone who knowingly breaches an apprehended violence order (ADVO), with intent to cause harm or fear, with a maximum penalty of three years jail time, an $11,000 fine, or both.

A person who knowingly breaches an ADVO three or more times within a month would be liable for up to five years jail, a $16,500 fine, or both.

Monitoring or tracking someone’s activities, communications or movements – including with GPS trackers – will become illegal under an expanded definition of “stalking,” and it will become easier for sole parents to change their child’s name.

“These laws reflect the risk posed by intentional and ongoing breaches of ADVOs,” Mr Minns said.

“Everyone should be able to feel safe in their own home.”

Attorney-General Michael Daley said the “very tough” measures are necessary to stamp out coward attacks, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Jodie Harrison said the SDAPO scheme will “help reduce the future risk of violence”.

“These reforms prioritise the safety of women and children and send a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated,” Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said.