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SA introduces sweeping DV legislation to prevent homicide
A suite of new changes under domestic and family violence law reforms will prevent serious offences like murder and coercive control by criminalising abusive and controlling behaviours, South Australian Attorney-General Vickie Chapman said.
Naomi Neilson
Introduced into the South Australian Parliament late last month, the new legislation will criminalise violent behaviours against partners or former partners. This conduct, the state’s Attorney-General said, can cause long-term harm to a victim and is often a precursor to more serious domestic violence incidents, such as homicide.
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Commenting on the new legislation, Ms Chapman said: “This behaviour can isolate a victim and erode their confidence, autonomy and wellbeing. Be it emotional, physical or psychology – we will not tolerate domestic abuse of any kind.”
Under the new bill, three more instances of abuse would constitute an offence. This includes tracking a victims’ movements and communications; isolating the victim from their family, friends or other support systems; threatening to harm an animal belonging to the victim; and depriving the victim of food, clothing or sleep.
“By criminalising this type of controlling behaviour, we give authorities the legislative tools they need to act before irreversible damage occurs,” Ms Chapman said.
The bill underwent targeted and public consultation in July, with feedback from that inquiry being incorporated into the new bill. Ms Chapman said that by having this public discussion, the government is beginning its own education process and will endeavour to draw on the community’s insight into this “insidious form” of abuse.
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Carolyn Power added that the new laws would not only take this education process into account but will also aim to raise awareness within the community as to what constitutes abusive behaviour.
“It is crucial people know how to recognise the signs and realise when behaviour is becoming controlling and abuse,” Ms Power said.
“If these laws pass, there will be a considerable lead-in time to allow for extensive education and training to occur. This would include public awareness campaigns as well as training for police and other key sectors.”
