NATIONAL COLLECTIVE of
INDEPENDENT WOMEN’S REFUGES INC.

MEDIA RELEASE – 26 MAY 2008

Inmate Conviction Over Threats Welcomed

Women’s Refuge says the conviction of an inmate who terrorised his former partner from jail is a much-needed clampdown on this type of behaviour.

The man’s offending was uncovered as a result of new phone monitoring technology introduced by the Department of Corrections.

The Chief Executive of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, Heather Henare, says many women who have suffered domestic violence have then been persecuted again from behind bars.

“We’ve had so many cases where the men have continued to stalk the women and make threats while they are in custody.”

“This has simply prolonged the torment for these women, who’ve already been through the most horrendous abuse and are still incredibly vulnerable.”

“They deserve the full protection of all authorities and the knowledge that everything is being done to keep their attacker away from them and in a position where they’re no longer able to keep taunting, threatening and abusing them.”

“A particularly aggravating aspect of this case is that the man did this while in custody on other charges, and that’s certainly something the judge should be taking into account.”

Ms Henare says she is glad the Department of Corrections is taking steps to address such a serious issue, and hopes to see a sustained long-term strategy to stem this sort of abuse.

ends

© Scoop Media