Monitoring trial success

Bracelets lead to big drop in family violence

A TRIAL monitoring family violence perpetrators and victims with electronic bracelets has significantly reduced reports of assaults and eradicated reports of stalking.

The 17-month trial had 73 perpetrators participate, along with 21 victims who opted into voluntary monitoring.

Preliminary results showed assaults were reduced by 70 per cent, threats reduced by 80 per cent, emotional abuse allegations lowered by 89 per cent and stalking reports decreased 100 per cent.

Overall, the trial showed an 82 per cent decrease in highrisk family violence incidents and a 7 per cent reduction of statewide family violence incidents. The Tasmanian trial formed part of a $2.5m national effort to increase victim safety and reduce family violence.

Acting Inspector Felicity

Boyd, who led the business improvement unit overseeing the project, said only perpetrators and victims with full non-contact family violence orders between them were eligible for the study.

She said the bracelets provided comfort to victims, with perpetrators tracked and excluded from areas near victims’ homes or workplaces.

“The victims are provided with a portable device which has a duress functionality,” she said.

“If that alert button is activated then that indicates to our monitoring compliance unit that a victim may need some assistance and provides police with an opportunity to intervene at the earliest occasion.”

Acting Inspector Boyd said the project, which launched in November 2018, overcame technical breaches where some perpetrators failed to charge their devices or remain contactable with the police monitoring compliance unit.

She said although the trial finished in April, police and Department of Justice continued to monitor perpetrator behaviour and support victims.

“Whilst results speak for themselves, the effectiveness of electronic monitoring undoubtedly enhances the safety of victims of family violence,” she said.

The electronic monitoring process may also provide evidence in court and prevent victims from having to attend court.

Acting assistant commissioner Ian Whish-Wilson said contrary to what was anticipated, police have seen most crime types reduce or remain the same during the COVID-19 pandemic.

annie.mccann@news.com.au