The WA Government has today committed $13.7 million over the next four years to help the Western Australian Police Force to track and monitor serial family violence offenders.
It says the funding will help to boost police resources ahead of tough new laws which are due to come into effect next month.
The legislation will make it mandatory for the courts and Prisoners Review Board to impose electronic GPS monitoring on serial family violence offenders, who are on bail or supervised in the community.
“Family violence is a nation-wide scourge, and we are committed to keeping the WA community safe,” said WA Police Minister, Paul Papalia.
“This $13.7 million in funding will see a significant uplift in police resources and ensure serial FDV thugs are held to account.”
Dozens of police staff will be dedicated to support the enhanced response, freeing up police officers to track and prosecute serial FDV offenders.
In 2018, the Cook Government launched the State Operations Command Centre (SOCC), co-locating police and corrective services personnel to enhance policing and real-time monitoring of offenders subject to GPS tracking anywhere in the State.
Adult Community Corrections and the WA Police Force at the SOCC stand ready to monitor and respond to all offenders subject to GPS tracking, the Minister said.
Any breach of their restricted movements generates an immediate alert allowing for a swift and appropriate response from police.
“The SOCC is an important part of this FDV response and importantly co-locates multiple agencies, so when an offender is apprehended by police wrap-around support services can be provided immediately to survivors,” said Mr Papalia.
The maximum penalty for damaging, removing or interfering with monitoring equipment was recently tripled from $12,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment, to $36,000 and three years’ imprisonment.
The announcement comes during the State Government’s eighth 16 Days in WA campaign, which aims to prevent gender-based violence.
“This is another example of how the Cook Government is prioritising the safety of victim-survivors of family and domestic violence,” said Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister, Sabine Winton.
“Electronic monitoring plays an important role in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
“This is just one part of the suite of responses available, with our Government also investing in men’s behaviour change programs to break the cycle of violence.
“During this year’s 16 Days in WA campaign, I urge all Western Australians to consider how they can play their part to help stop violence before it starts.”
People experiencing family and domestic violence can call the Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339, or Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 000 599, or the national Helpline 1800 RESPECT.
