ACT Policing is launching a six-month trial starting Monday that will send text messages to individuals charged with family violence offences and those subject to family violence orders.
Known as the Family Violence Bail, Orders and Compliance Short Messaging Service, the program is designed to remind recipients of their legal obligations, supply details for support services, and offer a direct police point of contact. Authorities stated that not all individuals under orders or bail conditions will receive the texts during the pilot phase, and emphasized that the messages will supplement rather than replace standard police enforcement.
ACT Police Minister Marisa Paterson supported the initiative, noting that police have responded to more than 5,500 family violence matters since July of last year. Acting Chief Police Officer Richard Chin added that officers handle an average of 12 domestic and family violence incidents daily, describing the SMS reminders as a practical way to eliminate ambiguity regarding compliance conditions.
The trial has drawn mixed reactions. While police maintain the reminders have improved compliance in other jurisdictions and do not pose a risk of prompting extra breaches, the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) ACT raised questions regarding the program's effectiveness and consultation. DVCS Chief Executive Sue Webeck stated that the organisation had not received direct service-level communication from ACT Policing about how the messages or referrals would be managed.
