New domestic violence app

TODAY the New South Wales Government launched the ‘Avow app’ to help people understand their legal obligations under Apprehended Domestic Violence Order’s (ADVOs).

An ADVO is a court order that imposes multiple conditions on a perpetrator, including limiting their contact with the victim to ensure they do not stalk or intimidate them. Breaking these conditions is a criminal offence, which can lead to a gaol sentence.

The app is designed to hold domestic violence perpetrators to account and increasing their compliance with protection orders to help safeguard victims.

New South Wales Police Corporate Sponsor for Domestic Violence, Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker, said police need to take a proactive approach to ADVO compliance.

“Each day police respond to nearly 400 domestic violence incidents across the state,” Assistant Commissioner McCusker said.

“The primary focus of police is to protect victims and in the last two years we have significantly increased our compliance activities to ensure perpetrators are held to account. Last year alone we identified nearly 17,000  breaches of ADVO incidents,” she said.

“The Avow App will give perpetrators the information they need to ensure they are abiding by the requirements of the ADVO, and they can access referral pathways to get the help they need to change their behaviour,” she said.

The Avow app includes:

• Straightforward information about ADVOs, court processes and the consequences of breaching an ADVO;
• Information about appearing in court;
• Features that allow users to add their ADVO conditions into the app and plan for how they will comply with them; and
• A directory and links to support services.

The Avow app can be downloaded on mobile’s via Google Play or the App Store.

Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said the scourge of domestic violence needs to be tackled both by protecting victims and by helping perpetrators to stop their abusive behaviour.

“The Avow app puts information perpetrators need to comply with their ADVO at their fingertips,” Mr Speakman said.

“It’s available anytime, anywhere, for free, meaning perpetrators can more easily address their behaviour,” he said.

A new NSW Police referral card will also be used to promote the app and encourage perpetrators to contact the Men’s Referral Service that can put them in touch with supports, including Men’s Behaviour Change programs.

Those who are struggling or need someone to speak to about behaviour can call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.

Legal Aid NSW will also launch a new YouTube animation ‘How to Stick to Your Order.’ Shorter animations will form part of a social media campaign along with a podcast for community workers who support victims and alleged perpetrators.

The information will be delivered state-wide to the legal assistance sector through Legal Aid NSW’s Cooperative Legal Service Delivery Program, which partners with Community Legal Centres, the Aboriginal Legal Service, disability advocates, police and local courts.