The new legislation for prosecuting domestic violence offenders is a move in the right direction according to the family groups working with local domestic violence victims. Manager of Narromine Community Skills, Sharon Milnes and Coordinator for Communities for Children, Ann-Louise Stonestreet are pleased to see the new legislation allows police officers to record scenes and victims of domestic violence at the time of the assault and use the evidence to persecute the offender.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Although the police officers were able to record evidence in the past, they were not able to use it as evidence in court. The new laws came to effect on July 1.
Both women read up on the legislation and discussed it with victims of domestic violence and found the women were excited that Australia are the first in the world to take this action.
"Although victims must give permission for an audio of visual recording to be taken, we believe it will make a huge difference to the outcome of court actions and speed of which AVO's (apprehended violence order) are granted," Ann-Louise said.
"Although victims must give permission for an audio of visual recording to be taken, we believe it will make a huge difference to the outcome of court actions and speed of which AVO's (apprehended violence order) are granted,"
- Ann-Louise Stonestreet
The experienced women also believe the process aids to streamline and simplify reporting.
"Pictures say a thousand words, it shows truth, feelings, fear and the true effects of the violence with devastated children, trashed homes and the violence on emotional, physical, mental and social levels that victims often cannot put into words due to the trauma, shock and injuries," Ann-Louise said.
"It will be a reminder and a wake up call for those who truly don't believe it's a problem or that in some way 'the victim has brought this on themselves'."
Sharon hopes the victim may be able to avoid the court case all together.
"Not having to attend court reduces the psychological effects of having to relive the incident to give statements and the ability for the perpetrator to intimidate the victim while they are giving evidence," she said.
"It will also cut out the 'he said/she said' issues the courts currently battle with."
Orana duty officer, Inspector Dan Skelly told The Narromine News and Trangie Advocate, with the evidence they can pursue a charge even if the victim pulls out of the process.
Ann-Louse agrees.
"Many times victim statements are taken much later than the incident and the system in which the police takes notes, then types up a statement. It is then read to the victim for them to change and sign as necessary," she said.
"Self-doubt, threats through family or friends, intimidation and fear create a new version of what happened in the victims mind.
"Also having to explain in words the trauma and emotions they felt is hard or by the time the evidence is taken the perpetrator is forgiven. This process fives the police the evidence they need to pursue charges, which is in the best interest of the victim and their family."
A 2005 study by the Department of Families, Housing and Community Affairs stated 33.3 per cent of woman has experienced physical violence since the age of 15 and 19 per cent of women had experience sexual violence since the age of 15.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
