Tasmanian Police Issue 1 in 4 Family Violence Orders Against Women, Raising Concerns About Misidentification

Overview of Police Family Violence Orders in Tasmania

In 2025, Tasmania Police issued a total of 2,689 police family violence orders (PFVOs), with 1,979 directed at men and 710 at women. This data highlights a concerning trend where a significant number of these orders are issued against women, raising questions about the alignment of these orders with the actual evidence of family violence.

Statistics on PFVOs

The following table outlines the distribution of PFVOs over the past three years:

These statistics indicate that the majority of PFVOs are issued against men, yet there is a notable percentage of orders issued against women. This discrepancy has led to concerns among advocates about the accuracy of these orders and their impact on victim-survivors.

The Role of PFVOs in Managing Risk

Steven Jones, the acting commander of Tasmania Police’s Family and Sexual Violence Command, emphasizes that PFVOs are used to manage risk and ensure the safety of individuals. He states that police issue these orders to protect those who are most vulnerable.

However, some victims have raised concerns about the process. Jane, a victim-survivor, shared her experience where a police officer suggested that her partner could easily enact an order on her if he wanted to. She believes the system fails to account for trauma and does not adequately support victims.

Challenges Faced by Victim-Survivors

Claire Johnston, a frontline worker for Engender Equality, points out that the statistics showing 26% of orders against women do not reflect the reality of family violence being a gender-based issue. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 27% of Australian women have experienced family and domestic violence since the age of 15, compared to about 12% of men.

Across the past three years, the number of on-the-spot orders issued against women by police was much higher than the number of family violence orders (FVOs) issued against women in the Tasmanian Magistrates Court.

Comparison of FVOs in the Magistrates Court

Ms. Johnston expresses concern that the current system may not accurately assess who needs protection the most. She notes that sometimes police responses suggest that both parties are equally responsible for the violence, which can lead to misidentification of perpetrators.

The Purpose and Impact of PFVOs

PFVOs are designed to provide urgent protection for victim-survivors without the need for lengthy court processes. However, when misidentified, the consequences can be severe, including legal penalties and loss of custody of children. Ms. Johnston emphasizes that this re-traumatizes victims and allows true perpetrators to continue their abusive behavior unchecked.

Despite these challenges, some victim-survivors report feeling supported by police. Ms. Johnston acknowledges that positive police responses can significantly benefit the community. Acting Commander Jones mentions that officers undergo compulsory training in family violence, including misidentification and coercive control, and all incidents are reviewed to ensure proper handling.

Courts and the Burden on Victims

Altering, revoking, or extending a PFVO without the consent of the other party requires attending court. Jane shared her experience of attending court after her ex-partner breached the order, describing the process as difficult and overwhelming. She believes the burden should fall on the perpetrator to prove the threat is gone.

Ms. Johnston notes that many of her clients find the court experience “arduous,” often leaving them to navigate the system alone while dealing with trauma. Acting Commander Jones acknowledges the challenges but mentions that recent government reviews aim to improve the system, including allowing the Commissioner of Police or an authorised officer to vary or revoke a PFVO in cases of misidentification.

Rehabilitation Programs and Wait Times

Magistrates can require offenders to attend rehabilitation programs as part of an FVO. In Tasmania, the Family Violence Offender Intervention Program (FVOIP) run by Community Corrections has a waitlist of more than 200 people, with limited capacity. A 2014 review found mixed results, with offenders reporting greater acceptance of responsibility but also endorsing attitudes that condone family violence.

Engender Equality offers a medium to long-term counselling program for women and gender diverse individuals affected by PFVOs. The wait time for this program varies across regions, with longer waits in the south and shorter in the north and north-west.

*Jane’s name has been changed to protect her identity.