Alleged perpetrators of domestic violence will now have to wear GPS-monitored ankle bracelets under tougher bail reforms by the NSW government.

The announcement follows a review of state bail conditions for suspected domestic violence offenders, launched after the alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst.

The man accused of Ticehurst’s alleged murder – Daniel Billings – had been released on bail on charges of raping, stalking and intimidating Ticehurst just 15 days before she was found dead. These horrific circumstances triggered an immediate investigation into the bail conditions of serious crime offenders and the State Government responded immediately, strengthening the conditions under which offenders could be released on bail.

“It is now more difficult for suspected perpetrators of domestic violence to obtain bail, but if they do, these new surveillance arrangements ensure that correctional services will be able to keep tabs on their movements,” said Prue Car, Deputy Premier of New South Wales.

Although electronic surveillance of perpetrators already exists, the latest reform measures aim to build on this to alert NSW Police if the alleged perpetrator enters a prohibited location.

The prohibited list concerned the places most frequented by victim-survivors and generally included areas surrounding home, school and workplaces.

In response to the changes, NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin outlined how the reforms would have an immediate impact. “These changes will give victims and survivors of domestic and family violence greater peace of mind and support them in their safety planning while the matter is processed through the courts. »

In line with the reforms, the NSW Government has also introduced legislation to strengthen the power of the courts to impose conditions on alleged perpetrators of domestic violence in order to deal with and prevent repeat cases.

“This is part of a coordinated, multi-pronged response to tackle domestic and family violence in our state, which includes early intervention and primary prevention,” NSW Domestic Violence Minister said , Jodie Harrison.

Adding: “The NSW Government is also working with the sector and victim-survivors as we continue to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed support to victim-survivors fleeing violence. »

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call 1800 737 732.