Nation-leading approach to combat family violence

Tasmania's nation-leading family violence electronic monitoring program initiative is helping keep victim-survivors safe, hold perpetrators accountable and reduce the risk of family violence in our community.

The Government has established a dedicated electronic monitoring unit within Community Corrections, staffed by specialist officers who monitor all GPS devices operating across Tasmania.

Currently, 81 perpetrators are being electronically monitored, and 84 victim-survivors have duress alarms to increase their safety under Tasmania's family violence electronic monitoring program.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said even one instance of family violence in our community is too many.

“Tasmania has taken a nation-leading approach to eradicating family violence in our communities,” Premier Rockliff said.

“This program is a strong example of an effective coordinated response across multiple agencies including Tasmania Police and Community Corrections to reduce family violence risk.

“We are imposing the strictest conditions on family violence offenders to ensure the safety of victim-survivors is put first.”

Under the Electronic Monitoring Program, perpetrators are fitted with an ankle monitoring device as a condition of a court-ordered Family Violence Order.

The device uses GPS and other technologies to track the perpetrator's movements, enabling enhanced monitoring and helping to reduce risk to victim-survivors and their children.

This specialist team works around the clock to assess and respond to critical risk situations.

Minister for Women and the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence, Jo Palmer, said the nation-leading approach was helping keep Tasmanians safe.

“GPS-enabled duress alarms are available for victim-survivors, providing an additional layer of protection,” Minister Palmer said.

“The alarms provide reassurance that police can be rapidly notified and that a response will be prioritised in circumstances where a victim's safety may be at risk.

“This initiative makes our community safer, every single Tasmanian has the right to live their life safely and free from family and sexual violence.”

Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future the Tasmanian Government will continue to work tirelessly to end family and sexual violence in our communities.