Family violence package launched by PPS

The Police Prosecution Service (PPS) has commenced the phased launch of its family violence package, heralding a new way for frontline staff and prosecutors to deal with family violence offending.

Assistant Commissioner Grant Nicholls, PNHQ, says the package is a key part of the Police’s family violence work programme, overseen by the Family Violence Governance Group at National Headquarters.

“The package contributes to our vision for ‘Safer Communities Together’ through the reduction of family violence,” says Grant.

The intent is to see a more seamless approach to family violence offending, from the time a frontline officer first encounters a family violence situation and charges accordingly, right through the prosecution and resolution phases.

“It’s a whole-of-Police approach. We want to provide frontline Police with readily available information regarding appropriate charging for family violence offending.

Grant says Police and the public share a common concern around family violence.

“The public, through government and key non-government organisations, has placed a spotlight on the effective prevention, risk assessment, investigation and prosecution of family violence offending.

“We must play our part in protecting victims and making offenders accountable for their actions. Once fully embedded, the PPS family violence package will go a long way to achieving this goal.”