Domestic violence reforms could include panic alarms and home security upgrades

A federal government plan to tackle domestic violence could see panic alarms and home security upgrades offered to those at risk.

The policy will roll out this week and the government is reportedly considering the implementation of a “SafeT” card, according to the Herald Sun.

When activated, the card alerts a security company, similar to technology used by the elderly.

The cards were used on a trial basis in Victoria last year, and reportedly reduced the amount of domestic violence order breaches.

The government plan comes after a series of domestic violence incidents shocked the country this week, including the public shooting death of Gold Coast mother Karina Lock, who was gunned down by her ex-husband in a McDonalds before he took his own life.

Another Gold Coast woman, Tara Brown, died from horrific injuries sustained when her ex-boyfriend allegedly rammed her car and ran her off the road before beating her with a steel plate as she was trapped in the wreckage.

She was rushed to hospital, but her life support was switched off after she failed to regain consciousness.

It was revealed after her death that Ms Brown had sought help from the police only days earlier and showed them abusive text messages on her phone from her ex-partner, but nothing was done to help her.

Dame Quentin Bryce, the former Governor General, has been named chair of a Queensland Implementation Council for domestic violence reforms, which followed Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s promise to deliver government initiatives combating domestic violence.

“300 body-worn cameras will go to Gold Coast police officers,” Dame Quentin said.

“The way officers deal with domestic violence victims will be overhauled.”