NCJ Number
239554
Date Published
August 2012
Length
558 pages
Annotation
This report from the New South Wales Standing Committee on Social Issues presents data on domestic violence trends and issues in the Australian territory.
Abstract
Key findings on domestic violence trends and issues in New South Wales include the following: domestic violence is estimated to cost the New South Wales (NSW) economy at least $4.5 billion (AUS) each year; while the majority of domestic violence is perpetrated on women by men, the problem of male victims and female perpetrators does exist and should be accounted for in policy and legislation; and currently, the need exists to pursue a comprehensive, systemic reform in relation to domestic violence in the territory. This report was compiled by the Standing Committee on Social Issues in NSW to address the problem of domestic violence in the territory and refocus the legal system's efforts on domestic violence more towards serving the needs of the victims and their families. The information in the report is presented in 16 chapters, with each chapter containing a set of recommendations for dealing with the specific issue: 1) Introduction, terms of reference, and conduct of the inquiry; 2) Definitions and trends in domestic violence in NSW; 3) National and NSW legislative and policy response to domestic violence; 4) Elements of the forthcoming NSW Domestic and Family Violence Framework; 5) Prevention and early intervention strategies; 6) Services for victims and children; 7) The role of police in domestic violence; 8) The increase in police proceedings against women; 9) Apprehended domestic violence orders; 10) Breaches of apprehended domestic violence orders; 11) Access to justice and the court system; 12) Specialization in courts; 13) Court procedures and family law; 14) Sentencing for domestic violence offenses; 15) The need for perpetrator programs; and 16) Young offenders and the dynamics of domestic violence perpetrated by children. Tables, figures, references, and appendixes