By Karl Hoerr -
A civil protection scheme allowing courts to impose any conditions they deem necessary to prevent the use of violence by perpetrators of domestic abuse, has come into effect in NSW. The state government says the Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO) scheme is modelled on measures targeting organised crime.
The orders can be in place for up to five years and will require the person to report to a police station at a particular time and notify police when they start a new relationship. They’ll also be required to disclose their dating profiles.
A penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment and/or a $30,000 fine will apply to breaches.
SDAPOs can be sought when someone has been convicted of two or more domestic violence offences with a maximum penalty of at least seven years’ imprisonment or those who’ve been charged with a ‘serious domestic violence’ offence against a relative, or a current or former intimate partner. The order can still apply, even if the person has been acquitted or had their conviction quashed on appeal.
In a statement timed to the commencement of the scheme on Monday, 29 September, Attorney General Michael Daley described domestic violence offenders as “among the state’s most dangerous criminals.”
“These tough protection orders provide the strictest possible monitoring and supervision to help keep victim survivors safe from abuse and harm.” Daley said the government was giving police and the courts every tool possible to prevent further offending.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the orders would enable a “close watch” on the most dangerous offenders. “We make no apologies for holding domestic violence offenders to account,” she said. “These reforms are about protecting victim-survivors, preventing further harm and building a safer New South Wales.”
