‘I will support her’: Labor MP Anna Watson’s stepson facing DV charges

The stepson of one of NSW Labor’s loudest voices on domestic violence issues is facing multiple charges of offending against his former partner.

Shellharbour MP Anna Watson speaking in NSW parliament about coercive control bill in 2022.

The stepson of one of the state’s staunchest domestic violence advocates has been ordered before the courts for alleged offending against his ex partner.

Matthew James Vann, the stepson of Labor Shellharbour MP Anna Watson will face Manly Local Court next week after being charged with common assault and two counts of intimidation against his girlfriend of five months.

An apprehended domestic violence order is also in place between Vann and the alleged victim.

Ms Watson told NewsLocal she was limited in what she could comment on, however, she said her “heart goes out” to the alleged victim.

“I can’t comment on what’s before the court,” the Labor MP said.

“I don’t want to be in contempt of court, there is a process.

Matthew Vann, the stepson of Shellharbour MP Anna Watson, is facing multiple DV charges. Picture: Facebook

“I attended interviews with him to ensure proper processes were taken given he has an intellectual disability. He had a choice of who he wanted as a support person so I sat in and listened.

“I will always support victims of family and domestic violence. I have spoken to hundreds of women and my heart goes out to this victim.

“I hope she seeks the treatment she needs and I will support her in anyway I can.”

Ms Watson was a prominent voice in NSW parliament regarding domestic violence issues and despite believing it didn‘t go far enough to protect victims, she was a supporter of the government’s coercive control bill which passed through last year.