FAMILY violence organisations are pushing the Victorian Government to move more quickly on a $900,000 trial of electronic devices aimed at protecting assault victims.
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Women’s Health Goulburn North East executive officer Susie Reid said progress was needed before findings from the Royal Commission into family violence.
“We think it’s absolutely fantastic that they’ve budgeted for it,” Ms Reid said.
“We’re just saying with the number of women dying, we don’t want to wait until the Royal Commission results in February.
“These are proven devices and we know services are overwhelmed with clients and these devices help deter men and help police and most importantly help women and children stay safe.”
The government announced in May that $900,000 would be spent on a trial involving 45 women suffering domestic violence.
It would involve them receiving emergency alarms, security camera monitoring and a duress card which captures GPS, audio and visual data.
Prevention of Family Violence Minister Fiona Richardson said at the time the pilot had the potential to change lives and the trial results would be provided to the Royal Commission.
She did not respond to The Border Mail’s inquiries on Monday.
Women’s Health Goulburn North East has previously used Bsafe electronic devices to protect victims and Ms Reid said she was keen for the North East to be part of the latest trial.
She said the testing was not about the technology but “the processes and protocols” of using it in different situations.
Women’s Health is a semi-finalist in the Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards for its Bsafe work.
It will learn on Wednesday whether it has made the finalists for the VACC Regional Safety Award.
The prizes will be presented in Melbourne on October 16 at a gala presentation at Etihad Stadium.
