Increasing safety for people at risk of domestic and family violence

The ACT Government is calling for community feedback to change the way agencies communicate and support victims of domestic and family violence.

“The safety of people who experience domestic and family violence is a key priority for the ACT Government.” said Minister for Family and Domestic Violence, Yvette Berry.

“These planned reforms to the Domestic Violence Agencies Act 1986 aim to help hold people who use violence to account and provide a more unified response for victim-survivors.”

Canberrans can have their say on how services communicate with each other and build a comprehensive understanding of domestic and family violence risk. Allowing services to intervene earlier, so people can get the support they need sooner.

The consultation provides an opportunity for community organisations and members of the public to provide feedback on a draft Bill and other aspects of the proposed scheme.

“Domestic and family violence is a serious issue. It can be deadly without the right responses. This reform is about creating opportunities to improve service responses to domestic and family violence situations.

“I look forward to hearing community feedback and working together to make the ACT a safer place for us all.” said Minister Berry.

Significant stakeholder consultation has already commenced and will continue in the coming months.

Community consultation on the reforms is open until 31 October 2022 – via the YourSay​​​​​​​ page.

Quote attributable to Kirsty Windeyer, Coordinator-General for Family Safety

“This move to a more integrated response for the ACT will allow agencies to improve how they assess risk and allow for earlier interventions to keep victim-survivors of domestic and family violence safe.

“The proposed legislative changes will improve the way agencies communicate so that we can keep people who use violence in view and held to account for their actions.”

Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in Australia. You can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or the ACT Domestic Violence Crisis Service on (02) 6280 0900.

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