ACT Policing will commence sending SMS reminders to people charged with family violence offences and those subject to family violence orders from next week.
The Family Violence Bail, Orders and Compliance Short Messaging Service (FVBOC-SMS) program will commence on Monday (9 November 2026).
The FVBOC-SMS project will send text messages to individuals subject to family violence-related bail conditions or family violence orders. The messages will remind recipients of their obligations, about support services and offer an ACT Policing point of contact for recipients.
The FVBOC-SMS initiative will be academically evaluated over six months to determine whether SMS reminders influence compliance rates and reduce breaches of family violence-related orders and conditions. Not everyone subject to family violence-related bail conditions or Family Violence Orders will receive a message during the evaluation period.
Findings from the project will assist ACT Policing in identifying evidence-based approaches to preventing breaches of family violence-related court orders and improving outcomes for the community.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, Dr Marisa Paterson, welcomed this new reminder service.
“We must persist in our efforts to prevent domestic, family and sexual violence. That means embracing new approaches and using every tool and technology available to strengthen protections, hold perpetrators accountable and prevent further harm. We are strongly committed to innovation and working with stakeholders to think outside the box to reduce gender-based violence.
“This initiative will be an important tool in ensuring that people subject to court orders or bail conditions are fully aware of, and regularly reminded of, their legal obligations.
“It forms part of our broader commitment to making Canberra safer for everyone and preventing domestic, family and sexual violence.
“The ACT Government will continue to pursue every available avenue to reduce family violence in our community. Whether through legislative reform, such as the introduction of coercive control laws, ongoing support for victim-survivors, or practical initiatives like this, we remain committed to strengthening protections and improving community safety.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence, Caitlin Tough:
“Preventing domestic, family and sexual violence requires a coordinated effort across government, law enforcement and the community. While there is no single solution, initiatives like this are another practical step we can take to strengthen accountability and improve safety.”
“These SMS reminders are designed to reinforce the serious obligations that come with family violence orders and bail conditions, while also providing information about available support services and a direct point of contact with ACT Policing.”
“Importantly, this initiative is grounded in evidence. By evaluating the program over six months, we will build a better understanding of what works to improve compliance and prevent breaches before they occur.”
Quotes attributed to acting Chief Police Officer Richard Chin:
“Since July last year, more than 1100 family violence apprehensions have been made by police and almost 2400 family violence orders have been granted in the 2025-26 financial year.
“While SMS messaging has been around for many years – this is the first time we have used it to remind people of their obligations. We have seen success from similar trials in other jurisdictions so we expect to see greater levels of compliance in this space after the messages start being delivered.”
