Today the ACT Legislative Assembly approved legislative amendments that will allow the establishment and operation of a Domestic and Family Violence Death Review in the ACT.
Death reviews look at domestic and family violence-related deaths as a connected group, not just as isolated events. They examine the wider context in which these deaths occur, the escalation of violence, including non-physical violence, and the responses provided by government and service systems.
"Deaths from domestic and family violence are tragic and heartbreaking. It's crucial to learn from the events that led up to these deaths to try and prevent them in the future." Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette Berry said.
"By taking a system-wide perspective, death reviews can make recommendations to improve practice in relation to policy, procedures, legislation, systems and services, as well as make improvements to data collection and management and public awareness campaigns." Minister Berry said.
Ms Heidi Yates, ACT Victims of Crime Commissioner said "The establishment of the Domestic and Family Violence Death Review is crucial to ensuring the ACT has the opportunity to identify and fix system gaps that could minimise the likelihood of further deaths. I am particularly pleased that the legislative amendments passed today, and the proposed ACT Death Review structure, provide for a flexible and collaborative approach.
Domestic and family violence is a problem that requires complex, coordinated responses across government, non-government services and community. The new model will maximise the ACT's ability to learn from deaths, near fatal incidents and accidents that occur in the context of domestic and family violence.
It will provide the best chance of learning how we should tailor our services, laws and practices to prevent violence and meet the needs of domestic and family violence victims."
