Page 2595 - Week 09 - Tuesday, 11 August 2015
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In appropriate circumstances ACT Corrective Services can direct offenders who categorically deny that they have committed sexual offences to a “denier’s” program. This program aims to help offenders understand more about the context which resulted in charges being laid, as well as to help them develop a self-management plan and to avoid situations that may lead to possible future reoffending.
Another key issue highlighted in the DVPC report is the growing prevalence of, and challenges presented by, technology-facilitated abuse. The government agrees that this is a significant issue and recognises the importance of developing a clear understanding of, and potential effective responses to, this type of abuse. The use of technology by perpetrators to facilitate abuse is a growing contributor to violence. The ubiquitous nature of online technology means abuse can be more readily perpetrated across jurisdictions and can potentially give perpetrators 24-hour access to victims.
This form of abuse needs to be recognised as an extension of the traditional power and control dynamics of domestic and family violence. This abuse encompasses a wide range of behaviours by perpetrators to control, abuse, harass, punish and humiliate their victims. It is often perpetrated alongside other forms of violence such as emotional or financial abuse.
In April this year COAG agreed to take urgent collective action to address the unacceptable level of violence against women, including strategies to tackle the increased use of technology. The government is participating in the National Cybercrime Working Group, which is preparing a report on this issue to be provided to COAG via the Law, Crime and Community Safety Council before the end of this calendar year.
While the government recognises the significant work to be done to combat domestic and family violence and sexual assault, the government’s response to this report demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring that responses to this type of violence are evidence based, comprehensive and effective. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the Domestic Violence Prevention Council, other key stakeholders and those who have lived experience of domestic violence. I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
MS BERRY (Ginninderra—Minister for Housing, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Community Services, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Women and Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Social Inclusion and Equality) (3.50): Today I am supporting the tabling of the ACT government’s response to the Domestic Violence Prevention Council report. I would like to acknowledge in the gallery today members of the Domestic Violence Prevention Council, including the Women’s Centre for Health Matters, the Victims of Crime Commissioner, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service and others.
Firstly, I want to thank the Domestic Violence Prevention Council for their invaluable role in undertaking this critical piece of work to inform and assist the ACT government in its response to the important issues of violence against women. The
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