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Kylie Maj (Ombudsman Western Australia),Emily Bickerton (Ombudsman Western Australia, ),Kim Lazenby (Ombudsman Western Australia, )

The Western Australian Ombudsman undertakes an important responsibility to review family and domestic violence fatalities. Arising from this work, the Ombudsman identified the need to undertake a major own motion investigation into issues associated with violence restraining orders (VROs) and their relationship with family and domestic violence fatalities.

The investigation had two aims. Firstly, arising from the work of the Ombudsman in reviewing family and domestic violence fatalities, the investigation aimed to set out a comprehensive understanding of family and domestic violence in Western Australia. Secondly, informed by this comprehensive understanding, the investigation aimed to examine the actions of state government departments and authorities in administering their relevant legislative responsibilities, including particularly the Restraining Orders Act 1997, with a focus on VROs.

To undertake the investigation, the Office examined 30 family and domestic violence fatalities notified to the Ombudsman over a defined 18 month period. For each of the 30 fatalities, the Office received information from state government departments and authorities, and from relevant courts. The Office also collected and analysed data from across Western Australia for the investigation period.

The Ombudsman has found that a range of work has been undertaken by state government departments and authorities to administer their relevant legislative responsibilities, including their responsibilities arising from the Restraining Orders Act 1997. The Ombudsman has found, however, that there is important further work that should be done. This work includes a range of important opportunities for improvement for state government departments and authorities, working individually and collectively, across all stages of the VRO process.

Arising from the findings of the investigation, the Ombudsman has made 54 recommendations to four government agencies about ways to prevent or reduce family and domestic violence fatalities.