2009...1
Law Society of NSW endorses
Domestic Violence Homicide Panel
Wednesday 25 November 2009
President of the Law Society of NSW Joe Catanzariti has welcomed the
establishment of a domestic violence homicide review panel in NSW.
Mr Catanzariti described the Domestic Violence Homicide Review panel as an
important step forward in preventing domestic-violence related deaths.
Minister for Women, Linda Burney and Attorney General John Hatzistergos today
announced the establishment of the panel, which creates a mechanism to
systemically analyse all domestic violence related deaths in NSW.
“Far too many women and children die at the hands of violent men and it’s not
before time that we do what we can to prevent this from happening,” Mr
Catanzariti said.
The data collected by the panel will give police and legal experts highly valuable
information that will go some way to reducing the incidence of domestic violence.
The establishment of the panel was a key recommendation of an advisory group
set up by the NSW Government in late 2008 to review all domestic violence
homicides that occurred in the past five years.
“The Law Society endorses the establishment of a panel chaired by the Coroner
and will support its efforts in reducing the incidence of domestic violence
homicides,” he said.
“It’s vital, if we are to reduce the incidence of these appalling crimes, that we
have an ongoing review process to improve the effectiveness of laws and
services relating to domestic violence.
“From the Law Society’s perspective, this model will help pinpoint victims of
domestic violence and bring about enormously important legislative and policy
reform.
“The Law Society looks forward to participating in the development of new laws
that ensure justice for victims of domestic violence and ultimately make the
community a safer one for all,” Mr Catanzariti said.
Media Contact: Sue Finn 02 9926 0288 or 0412 346 648
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