Opposition vows law allowing GPS monitoring of stalkers

ملخص مفصل

Stalking victims will receive the same protections under the law, regardless of their relationship with the perpetrator, under proposed reforms.

Stalkers could face round-the-clock GPS monitoring and victims stronger protections in court under a proposed overhaul of Victoria's stalking laws.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson announced a proposal for Celeste's Law on Monday, named in honour of 23-year-old Celeste Manno, who was murdered in her home by a former colleague after months of stalking and harassment.

The proposed reforms aim to address gaps in Victoria's justice system that can leave victims of stalking without the same protections afforded to those experiencing family violence.

Under the plan, high-risk stalkers subject to intervention orders would be eligible for a trial of 24-hour GPS monitoring, with exclusion zones established around victims’ homes and workplaces.

The reforms would also extend family violence courtroom protections to all stalking victims, allowing them to give pre-recorded evidence and preventing alleged perpetrators from personally cross-examining them.

A dedicated Department of Justice taskforce would oversee implementation of all 45 recommendations made by the Victorian Law Reform Commission in its report on stalking.

Other measures include mandatory specialist stalking training for police, stronger laws against digital stalking and improved information sharing between police, courts and victim support services.

Police would also be required to offer referrals for specialist vehicle and device screening where electronic tracking was suspected, while a direct pathway to the Magistrates’ Court would be established for urgent intervention order applications.

The plan includes perpetrator behaviour-change programs, improved access to specialist victim support and a review of financial assistance for victims in regional and rural areas.

مطلع المقال، مقتطف من AAP. لقراءة المقال كاملًا، افتحه على موقع الناشر.