A stronger response to family violence cases

The Tasmanian Government is committed to supporting the victims of family violence and to holding perpetrators to account.

Under the Safe Homes, Safe Families: Tasmania’s Family Violence Action Plan 2015-2020, announced by the Premier today, the Department of Police and Emergency Management will lead the development of Safe Families Tasmania.

More than $8 million has been committed to establishing this Statewide collaborative unit, which will also include representatives of the departments of Education, Premier and Cabinet, Health and Human Services, and Justice.

As part of our whole of government approach to family violence, Safe Families Tasmania will gather and analyse the best available evidence about perpetrators and associated risks to their families.

The unit will also work in partnership with non-government organisations to develop a new program to support victims of ongoing family violence.

Safe Choices will provide practical support for those who are in violent relationships and for those who are trying to leave such relationships.

Police play a key role in responding to family violence and in prosecuting offenders, and I pleased that under the action plan resources will be boosted.

The Government has committed $1.2 million to appoint three additional dedicated police prosecutors – one in each region – to ensure consistent, specialised prosecution of family violence cases.

This is in addition to our commitment to put more police on the frontline by recruiting an additional 108 officers over this term to reverse the cuts of the previous Labor-Green government.

Safe Homes, Safe Families: Tasmania’s Family Violence Action Plan 2015-2020 is available online at www.dpac.tas.gov.au/safehomessafefamilies

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence or sexual assault, call the Safe at Home Family Violence Response and Referral Line on 1800 633 937 or visit www.1800respect.org.au In an emergency, call 000.
Rene Hidding, Minister for Police and Emergency Management