There has been an important breakthrough in the fight to protect Australian women from domestic violence – one Take 5 has long called for.
Earlier this week, Tasmania instated new laws that will see family violence perpetrators fitted with tracking devices.
Although this is currently being trialled in New South Wales, Tasmania is taking it a step further.
Tasmanian police can apply to a magistrate to have a tracking device put on people who are suspect of serious family violence but have not have a previous conviction.
The victims of domestic violence are given the opportunity to carry a tracking device so that police can monitor where they are in relation to their abuser.
A piece of paper is not enough to protect our Aussie women.
Take 5 believes that these laws are a step in the right direction.
Early last year, we launched our One Strike and You’re Out campaign, calling on the government to implement a national GPS program that can empower women by sending alerts to domestic violence survivors whenever their abuser comes within a specific radius.
Roughly one Aussie woman dies every week at the hands of a partner or an ex.
The worst part is that almost a quarter of these women had already taken out an AVO (Apprehended violence order) against their murderer.
These women did everything in their power to protect themselves, but the system let them down.
By utilising Tasmania’s tracking device system nationwide, the victims and the police can prevent an attack, rather than waiting for an attack to happen.
Tracking devices will be placed on offenders.
How does it work?
1. The offender has a tamper-proof GPS anklet that the court has ordered them to wear at all times.
2. If the abuser comes within the exclusion zone of their victim, both the victim and police receive a message.
3. Once the woman receives the alert, she is able to take action in whichever way she lies.
4. The authorities are able to intervene as they see fit.
You can help these women
What can everyday Aussies do to help?
Through our readers bravely sharing their stories and the magazine sharing expert advice and links to essential support services, we have already given thousands of women the knowledge they need to escape and to get their violent partners brought to justice.
But there’s still more we can all do.
Too many kids are growing up without their mums because of these violent men, and we cannot stand by and watch it happen.
Take 5 is still calling upon the government to implement a national GPS program that sends alerts to domestic violence survivors whenever their abuser comes within a specific radius.
If you agree this must happen, please sign out petition to demand that the government to do more to protect victims of domestic violence and give them the power to protect themselves.
With more than half a million readers, we do have the people power needed to bring about change that could help save many lives.
