To the Honourable President of the Senate and Members of the Australian Senate,

We, the undersigned citizens of Australia, respectfully submit this petition in support of the Domestic Violence Accountability and Protection Amendment Act 2025. This proposed legislation is crucial in addressing the epidemic of domestic violence in our country and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable, while also prioritizing the safety and well-being of victims.

Purpose of the Petition:
We support this bill’s efforts to strengthen penalties for domestic violence perpetrators, provide enhanced protection for victims, and improve the support systems for those affected by domestic violence. This legislation is a critical step towards a safer and more just society, where domestic violence is unequivocally condemned, and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

Key Points of Support:

Stronger Penalties for Perpetrators:
The bill proposes significant increases in the penalties for domestic violence offenders, ensuring that those who commit such crimes face justice. We strongly support the imposition of a minimum sentence for perpetrators, longer prison sentences, especially for repeat offenders, and the automatic enhancement of penalties in cases involving strangulation or child victims.
Protection Orders and Victim Safety:
The automatic issuance of protection orders upon the arrest of an offender, as well as long-term protection orders following conviction, will provide victims with the safety and security they deserve. We believe that these measures will give victims the confidence to come forward and seek legal action against their abusers.
Support for Victims of Domestic Violence:
We fully endorse the increased support for victims, including access to shelters, legal aid, and counseling services. The bill’s emphasis on providing ongoing psychological support and resources for survivors is vital for their recovery and long-term well-being.
Public Awareness and Education:
The proposal to launch a national public awareness campaign on the signs of domestic violence and the legal consequences for perpetrators is necessary to ensure that our society becomes more aware of these critical issues and better equipped to intervene. The inclusion of educational programs for young people on healthy relationships is a proactive step in preventing domestic violence in future generations.
Data Collection and Research:
Establishing a national domestic violence database and funding research into domestic violence will help track the effectiveness of these policies and provide invaluable insights into areas for improvement. This will enable a more data-driven approach to combating domestic violence across Australia.
Conclusion:
We believe that the Domestic Violence Accountability and Protection Amendment Act 2025 represents a monumental step forward in the fight against domestic violence in Australia. We call upon the Australian Senate to pass this bill swiftly and without delay. Domestic violence affects individuals, families, and communities across Australia, and it is critical that we take action now to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.

By signing this petition, we stand united in demanding stronger legal protections for victims, tougher penalties for perpetrators, and more robust support systems for those impacted by domestic violence.

We, the undersigned, respectfully urge the Senate to approve the Domestic Violence Accountability and Protection Amendment Act 2025.