Alleged domestic violence offenders to be subject to electronic monitoring

Alleged offenders bailed on domestic violence charges could be subject to the same monitoring conditions as those charged with involvement in organised crime.

Alleged offenders bailed on domestic violence charges would be subject to the same monitoring conditions as those charged in relation to serious and organised crime under new proposed legislation.

Under the proposed law, an offender’s bail conditions would include mandatory electronic monitoring and would forbid them from leaving home, except to travel to work or receive medical treatment.

A bracelet attached to an alleged offender’s ankle would provide the Correctional Services Department with real-time updates on their location.

Alleged offenders bailed on domestic violence charges would be subject to the same monitoring conditions as those charged in relation to serious and organised crime under new proposed legislation.

Conditions in bail agreements and intervention orders, including being prohibited from visiting a victim’s home, could also be programmed into the bracelet.

The legislation was proposed as a Labor election pledge in June 2021.

Attorney-General Kyam Maher said ensuring the safety of domestic violence victims was a “priority” for the state government.

“If you use an act or a threat of violence in breach of an intervention order, you will have to be electronically monitored 24/7, 365 days a year, if you’re granted bail,” Mr Maher said.

Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Katrine Hildyard said the proposed law was “absolutely crucial”.

“There are still people in our community who fail to understand that violence against women and children is never an option,” Ms Hildyard said.

Women and Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Katrine Hildyard said the proposed legislation was “absolutely crucial”. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Roy VanDerVegt

“Sadly, there are many stories … of women who, when their alleged perpetrator has been released on bail, live their lives in fear wondering about what they will do next.

“The courts will determine in particular instances that some alleged perpetrators will not be released on bail … but for those where the court does determine that they will be released on bail, we are really glad that this bill will ensure that there is an extra measure of security.”

Ms Hildyard said the proposed law was expected to apply to between 100 and 150 alleged offenders per year.

“Any resources directed toward measures that tackle alleged perpetrator behaviour and help ensure the safety of women are absolutely funds that are well-invested,” Ms Hildyard said.

Originally published as Alleged domestic violence offenders to be subject to electronic monitoring