The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) today released two pivotal reports that examine the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) to improve the safety of victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.
AIC Deputy Director Dr Rick Brown said the study is the first of its kind to investigate the benefits of installing CCTV in the homes of victim-survivors.
"The study, a world first, revealed that CCTV can have significant positive impacts on the wellbeing of victim-survivors. It can also be used against perpetrators to document threatening behaviours that warrant civil or criminal intervention.
"Importantly, victim-survivors felt the presence of CCTV provided heightened safety and security. The use of CCTV by domestic and family violence services across Australia is increasingly common," Dr Brown said.
However, there are also risks associated with victim-survivors becoming hyper-vigilant, thereby negatively impacting feelings of safety and security. CCTV systems can also become a target of aggression from perpetrators. Consideration should be given to the need for sustainable funding, and greater guidance, training and support for domestic and family violence services to deploy CCTV systems.
Both reports are available on the AIC website .
The Australian Institute of Criminology
The AIC is Australia's national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice. The AIC seeks to promote justice and reduce crime by undertaking and communicating evidence-based research to inform policy and practice.
This research, funded through a Criminology Research Grant, was conducted by researchers from Deakin University and the Women's Services Network.
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