[Greens-Media] Govt delay on domestic violence review costing lives

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
24 October 2008


Govt delay on domestic violence review costing lives

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has backed calls for an urgent review of domestic violence related murders following today's report that a record number of women and children in NSW are being murdered. (Page 1, SMH today)
 
"With an all time high of 29 domestic violence related murders in NSW in the last financial year Premier Nathan Rees needs to immediately act on the Ombudsman 2006 recommendation for a review of police, legal and community service systems," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"Dozens of women and children have died in this state since the Ombudsman made their recommendation for a review two years ago. 

"Reviews in a number of overseas countries have identified gaps in how services operate and integrate their response to domestic violence incidents and in a number of jurisdictions there has been a large reduction in the number of domestic murders. 

"In the Californian County of Santa Clara a review of front line services was undertaken, recommendations adopted and the number of domestic murders dropped from 51 to three.

"In 2006 former premier Morris Iemma declared war on domestic violence. The government then had clear advice from the Ombudsman on how to respond.

"The government's policy is now in tatters with record numbers of women and children harmed and killed in domestic violence attacks and the Ombudsman review call ignored.

"Premier Rees must act and set up this review. More delays will cost more lives.

"By studying how the police, justice and community services work together weaknesses in the systems can be identified, the need for more resources assessed and how best to implement change determined. 

"The failure of the NSW government to respond to a number of Ombudsman recommendations on domestic violence appears to be preventing changes in current procedures that could reduce the number of domestic violence incidents and deaths.

"The NSW government has an appalling record in managing domestic violence. Earlier this year the number of regional domestic violence specialists in rural areas was halved and they failed to respond to another Ombudsman's recommendation to undertake an urgent investigation into the arrest practices of female victims of domestic violence and their treatment by NSW Police," Ms Rhiannon said.


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