Bilateral electronic monitoring of high-risk family violence perpetrators in an Australian jurisdiction

This study describes an evaluation of a two-year trial of bi-lateral (perpetrator and victim) electronic monitoring (EM) of high-risk family violence (FV) perpetrators in an Australian jurisdiction. This project was a multiagency collaboration between Police and the Department of Justice and involved the creation of a locally based monitoring centre. Observations of key activities, such as fitting of devices, court proceedings, and multiagency meetings, were conducted throughout the project to assess progress. Semi structured interviews (n=49) were conducted with key stakeholders and a sample of victims and offenders. Key themes emerging from the analysis were:

1. Local monitoring is working well

2. Offenders were largely compliant

3. There was a reduction in both frequency and seriousness of offending

4. Victims reported feeling safer

5. Both offenders and victims needed short term support services in conjunction with EM.

However, offenders expressed a preference for custodial options and whilst short term offending has been positive, a longer-term study is required to monitor enduring behaviour change.