Domestic Abuse Prevention – What can be done?

By Michelle Perry

Domestic Abuse Prevention – What can be done? 

Common questions that can often be asked of or about victims of domestic violence include “Why don’t they ask for help?”, “Why don’t they leave?” or “Why won’t they report it to the police”. These questions often overlook the psychological, emotional and social trauma that can hinder an individual’s ability to report the abuse. Additionally, reporting the abuse causes an individual to have to confront the reality of the abuse and the emotional toll that comes with reliving it during the reporting process.  

Despite policies, legislations and multi-agencies designed to support victims, many remain reluctant to seek help. Statistically, approximately 70% of domestic violence is never reported to the police. This can be due to fear of retaliation, financial dependence, responsibilities with children and pets, religious or cultural beliefs, community and family pressures and a perceived lack of support.   

There are two mechanisms that can be utilised by the Criminal Justice sector that can help to safeguard victims and reduce the risk of reoffending.  

Police Bail 

When a suspect is arrested for a domestic abuse-related offence, the police can decide to release them on bail, either with or without conditions. Conditions can be implemented to provide extra protections to the victim and offer peace of mind throughout the investigation process. Common conditions may include: 

• Not to go to a particular address or into a particular road/area 

• Not to go within a certain distance to the victim 

• Not to make contact by any means, either directly or indirectly (e.g. via phone, social media, or another party). 

Police bail can be set for an initial period of 3 months, extended to 6 months and with Superintendent approval, up to 9 months but with the authority from a Superintendent.  

DVPN (Domestic Violence Protection Notice) and DVPO (Domestic Violence Protection Order) 

A DVPN is an initial temporary notice issued by the police to a perpetrator of DA. The DVPN prevents a perpetrator from contacting the victim or returning to a shared residence for 48 hours.

Should a longer-term order be necessary, the police can apply to the magistrate’s court for a DVPO within the 48-hour window of the DVPN. The DVPO can extend protective conditions for a minimum of 14 days, up to 28 days. A DVPO is often granted where there is insufficient evidence to charge the suspect but there is an ongoing risk to the victim and a DVPO can be issued without the victim’s support, particularly where fear or coercion may prevent the victim from pursuing the case. 

The DVPO can provide the police the time and opportunity to approach the victim and try to work with them, to prevent further harm and to encourage them to seek help/support/advice from outside organisations.  

Overall aims of these interventions 

Police bail and DVPNs/DVPOs provide time for police to gather further evidence and build a stronger case for prosecution. They prevent further harm to the victim and interrupt the cycle of abuse. Finally, they allow for multi-agency collaboration to support the individual needs of the victim, including housing, financial assistance and fitting alarm systems in the house.