Rosie Batty, Government Push For GPS Tracking Of Repeat Domestic Violence Offenders

A grassroots-led campaign by women’s rights group Destroy The Joint has been highlighting rampant domestic violence in Australia—and encouraging a call-to-action by the government—by “Counting Dead Women” in Australia this year: documenting the number of women who have died at the hands of current or former partners in 2015

As of Thursday last week, that figure regrettably climbed to 37 – or just over two women per week this year.

Such harrowing news has inspired front pages such as this:


A plan supported by the Abbott government and Australian of the Year Rosie Batty, pushing for GPS tracking ankle bracelets on repeat domestic violence offenders, therefore comes as encouraging news. According to the Daily Telegraph, the government will push for a national implementation of GPS tracking for at-risk, repeat domestic violence offenders at COAG.

Social services minister Scott Morrison backed the move, with the support of staunch anti-domestic violence activist Rosie Batty, who praised the move but remained cautious of the new ruling to be seen as a cure-all:

“This is not the only solution. But I do know women who are desperate for it. For them to be given some sort of warning it gives them peace of mind.’’

Today’s news comes off the back of a so-called “Rosie Batty effect” which has contributed to an increase in calls to the 1800 RESPECT hotline this year – in 2014, the hotline received approximately 43,000 calls; in this year alone, however, approximately 35,000 calls have already been recorded. The government has since boosted the 1800 RESPECT funding by $4 million.

via Daily Telegraph.
Lead image by Stefan Postles via Getty.


Domestic violence is never acceptable. If you or someone you know is experiencing physical or sexual abuse, calls can be made 24 hours a day on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) to the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line.

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