NEW laws allowing police body camera footage to be used as evidence in domestic violence cases has been supported by South East police and family services.
Under the new Statutes Amendment (Domestic Violence) Act, introduced on September 1 by the State Government, recordings obtained by police attending domestic violence incidents would be able to be presented in evidence in court.
These recordings include interviews which may result in victims not having to relive their trauma in court.
“We support any initiatives that reduce the harm to domestic violence victims,” Millicent police officer in charge Senior Sergeant First Class Rick Errington said.
Mount Gambier’s Centacare Catholic Family Services manager Susie Smith said the new laws would ultimately help victims of domestic violence when they go to trial.
“The new laws assist women to feel a greater sense of confidence, particularly when it comes to the criminal justice system and ensuring the perpetrator is accountable for the violence through court processes,” Ms Smith said.
“Court can be a very daunting place for victims and in the past, convictions have not always been secured for a variety of reasons.
“The new laws will take the responsibility for recalling events out of her hands and provide some conclusive facts for prosecutions to take place.”
Ms Smith also praised the introduction of Domestic Violence Disclosures in South Australia which can provide concerned individuals with a person’s relevant domestic violence history.
“If a person is concerned about aspects of the behaviour of their partner, for example in a new relationship, they are able to apply for a Domestic Violence Disclosure.
“Similarly if another person is concerned about a family member or another person they know and there are some red flags in that other person’s relationship, they are able to apply as a third party for the person at risk to receive a disclosure which includes specialist domestic violence support.
“It’s important for women in Millicent and surrounding districts there are services available and that domestic and family violence is a crime.”
Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service provides services to women and children experiencing or at risk of homelessness in the region.
