Some domestic abusers are being released early, causing severe distress for victims & destabilising their safety and recovery. Only certain DA offences like coercive control, are exempt from the scheme. Abusers convicted of violent crimes like Actual Bodily Harm or threats to kill could be eligible.
I urge the government to revise the SDS40 scheme and implement the following protections:
- Identify Domestic Abuse Offenders: Ensure all domestic abuse offenders, regardless of offence, are registered to prevent early release.
- Mandatory Exclusion: Deny early release for any violent offender under a restraining order to protect the victim.
- Enable Probation Intervention: Allow probation officers to refer cases if early release may endanger victims.
I believe that these protections are essential to safeguarding victims.