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Alleged domestic violence perpetrators will now be required to wear GPS-monitored ankle bracelets as part of stricter bail reforms by NSW government.
The announcement came as a result of a review into the state’s bail conditions for alleged domestic violence perpetrators, launched after the alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst.
The man charged with the alleged murder of Ticehurst – Daniel Billings – had been released on bail for charges including rape, stalking and intimidation of Ticehurst only 15 days before she was found dead. The horrific circumstances sparked an immediate enquiry into bail conditions for serious perpetrators and the state government reacted immediately, tightening conditions under which offenders were able to be granted bail.
“It’s harder now for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail, but if they do, these new monitoring devices ensure corrective services will be able to keep an eye on their movements,” says NSW deputy premier, Prue Car.
While the electronic monitoring of perpetrators already exists, the latest reform measures are aimed at building upon this to alert NSW police if the alleged perpetrator enters a banned location.
The list of banned related to the places most frequented by the victim-survivors and usually include areas surrounding home, school and workplaces.
In responding to these changes, NSW women’s safety commissioner, Hannah Tonkin outlined how the reforms would have immediate impact. “These changes will give victim-survivors of domestic and family violence greater peace of mind and support their safety planning while the matter is dealt with in the courts.”
In line with the reforms, the NSW government has also introduced legislation aimed at strengthening the power of courts to impose necessary conditions on alleged domestic violence offenders to address and prevent reoffending cases.
“This is one part of a coordinated, multi-pronged response to addressing domestic and family violence in our state that includes earlier intervention and primary prevention,” says NSW’s domestic violence minister, Jodie Harrison.
Adding, “The NSW Government is also working with the sector and victim-survivors as we continue to provide holistic, trauma-informed, wraparound support for victim-survivors who are escaping violence.”
If you or someone you know is being affected by domestic violence, call 1800 737 732.
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