Family safety report shows violence down

THE State Government says its domestic violence action plan is working with a drop in the number of high-risk incidents reported and 52 perpetrators tracked under its trial of electronic monitoring.

Premier Will Hodgman released the final report from the Family Violence Action Plan for 2018-19 yesterday.

Mr Hodgman said there was a consistent and high level of family and sexual violence in the Tasmanian community, but the report showed a 5.67 per cent rise in police-issued Family Violence Orders in Tasmania over the past 12 months and a 12.64 per cent fall in domestic abuse incidents classed as high-risk.

The report says more than 8000 at-risk children were identified by the Safe Families Co-ordination Unit and 5772 notifications were made to schools to provide support to those exposed to violence.

A live electronic monitoring trial began last year and in the 12 months, 52 family violence perpetrators were put under surveillance.

Mr Hodgman said the “nation-leading” action plan — Safe Homes, Safe Families — was released in 2015 with additional funding of $26 million over four years. It contained 23 separate actions to address family violence.

“The report shows there has been a steady increase in the reporting of family violence arguments and incidents, indicating greater community awareness and intolerance of family violence. Importantly, victims feel more confident to report offences,” Mr Hodgman said. “Through our first action plan, we have delivered additional services and support for victims and survivors, as well as stronger legislative protections.”

He said 970 people had been provided with support, counselling and referrals through Tasmania’s Safe Choices service and 50 extra houses made available for the safety of families experiencing violence.

“While we have seen encouraging results from the final report, there is still a consistent and high level of family and sexual violence in our communities,” he said.