Dating profiles of serious DV offenders on NSW police radar

High-risk domestic violence offenders can be forced to inform police when they use dating apps under new protections for abuse survivors.

Courts may now impose serious domestic abuse prevention orders to curb the behaviour of perpetrators in NSW for up to five years.

Conditions could include scheduled reporting to a police station and requirements to notify police when they begin new intimate relationships or create and use dating profiles.

The orders apply to offenders convicted of two or more domestic violence offences that carry maximum jail terms of at least seven years, and people who have been charged with a serious domestic violence offence against a relative or a current or former intimate partner - even if they’re acquitted.

“Domestic violence offenders are among the state’s most dangerous criminals,” NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said.

“These tough protection orders provide the strictest possible monitoring and supervision to help keep victim survivors safe from abuse and harm.”

Those in breach of these orders can be slapped with a $33,000 fine or face up to five years behind bars.

The protections, modelled on a scheme to combat organised crime, were part of a slate of domestic violence reforms that passed NSW parliament in September 2024.

They follow other changes including increased penalties for abusers who persistently and deliberately breach orders meant to prevent them from tormenting others, and an updated definition of stalking.

“We make no apologies for holding domestic violence offenders to account,” Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison said.

“These reforms are about protecting victim-survivors, preventing further harm and building a safer NSW.”

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