The state premier has signaled that stronger measures may be needed against violent men who breach orders as part of a taskforce addressing the killing of women. Victoria Police has called for the establishment of a domestic violence offender register, similar to one used in Britain, as a way to prevent perpetrators from harming successive partners. The police submission to a royal commission emphasized the importance of women being able to ask if a man poses a risk, in order to protect potential victims and the wider community. The recent murders of several women by men have reignited calls for closer tracking of high-risk family violence offenders to prevent further violence.
Hayley Boxall, a criminologist and violence researcher, has proposed a tracking model for high-risk offenders, which has received support from women’s safety advocates. This model aims to closely monitor offenders who may not meet the threshold for police intervention but still pose a threat. Violence researcher Kate FitzGibbon emphasized the need for whole-of-system reform to address the issue of violence against women, stating that the recent deaths are just the tip of the iceberg. The government plans to establish a taskforce to investigate ways to curb violence, and ministers have been tasked with bringing solutions to cabinet. There is a growing recognition that violence against women requires a collective effort from both men and women to address.
The government is facing criticism for its handling of the issue, with calls for more action to protect women and prevent further violence. Some lawmakers are suggesting measures such as allowing women to carry pepper spray for self-defense, while others argue that the responsibility should lie with men to stop perpetrating violence. There are ongoing funding concerns for programs related to family violence support and prevention, as the government faces increasing pressure to show progress in addressing the issue. The opposition has also criticized the current approaches to women’s safety, calling for more effective measures to reduce rates of violence against women.
There is a growing sense of urgency and frustration surrounding the issue of violence against women, as more cases of women being killed by men are reported. Calls for stronger measures, such as a domestic violence offender register and closer tracking of high-risk offenders, are gaining traction among experts and advocates. The government is under pressure to take decisive action to protect women and prevent further tragedies, with calls for whole-of-system reform to address the root causes of violence against women. It is evident that a comprehensive and multidimensional approach is needed to effectively address the issue of violence against women and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in society.
