are reasonable prospects of conviction bearing in mind the strong public interest in denouncing family violence. The specialist FV prosecutors undertake in-house training in evidence law and courtroom skills. They are greatly assisted and supported by the Witness Assistance Service and dedicated specialist paralegals.
FV prosecutors continue to work closely with all the FVIP participating agencies. In particular the Office continues to work closely with the AFP advising of appropriate charges, identifying further evidence and providing specialist family violence training to new recruits. Victims Support ACT and the Domestic Violence Crisis Service (DVCS) also continue to play an important role in supporting complainants. And in cases involving children, FV prosecutors liaise closely with the AFP and the Office of Children, Youth and Family Support.
Significant statistics during the reporting period include:
| Magistrates Court |
Childrens Court |
Supreme Court |
Total |
|
| FV matters commenced |
432 |
49 |
22 |
503 |
| FV matters completed |
479 |
43 |
46 |
568 |
| FV matters proved |
356 |
30 |
18 |
404 |
| FV matters discontinued |
48 |
4 |
6 |
58 |
| FV defendants diverted under Mental Health Provisions |
9 |
- |
- |
9 |
| FV matters finalised before hearing |
303 |
35 |
11 |
349 |
| FV matters proceeding to hearing |
155 |
7 |
4 |
166 |
| Proved |
112 |
5 |
2 |
119 |
| Discontinued |
13 |
2 |
2 |
17 |
PROSECUTING FV MATTERS
The prosecution of family violence matters is a unique challenge. In most cases women are the victims. The offences take place in private and are often not reported to the police. The challenges associated with convincing a court that an offence has been committed in a person’s home, often without any witnesses apart from the victim and in circumstances where there are emotional, financial and physical pressures placed on the victim, should not be underestimated. Very often, by the time the matter comes to court the victim is reluctant for the matter to proceed.
The following case reports from matters prosecuted by FV prosecutors during the reporting period illustrate some of the challenges in the area and demonstrate the issues that arise when one family member is charged with offending against another:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL REPORT 2011-12 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS 21
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