Mark Shelton,Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management
Victims of family violence have been provided extra safety and comfort through the trial of electronic monitoring as part of the Tasmanian Government's commitment to keeping Tasmanians safe.
The devices tracked 52 offender's movements to ensure they did not enter certain areas where the victim resided or worked. Victims could also be provided with a small portable device to prompt early police intervention where there was potential for a breach of a Family Violence Order.
The preliminary results of the trial, which commenced in 2018, show a 70 per cent reduction of assaults, 80 per cent reduction of threats, 89 per cent decrease in allegations of emotional abuse, and 100 per cent decrease in reports of stalking.
The trial also showed a 7 per cent reduction of family violence incidents across the State and an 82 per cent decrease in high-risk family violence incidents.
In addition to providing victims an extra level of comfort, the electronic monitoring also provides evidence in court and in some cases, prevents victims from having to attend court to give evidence.
The whole-of-government project has been delivered with input and support from the Department of Justice, Tasmania Police, and Communities Tasmania as part of the Government's Safe Homes, Families, Communities action plan for family and sexual violence 2019- 2022.
The Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies (TILES) is now undertaking an independent review of the trial, with a final evaluation report due later this year.
