Following a tragic double murder-suicide in Floreat, questions have surfaced regarding the handling of firearms in cases of domestic violence. Despite multiple alerts from the daughter of the perpetrator expressing imminent danger, police did not confiscate his legally owned firearms. In response, the Western Australian government has announced plans to amend existing laws to mandate the removal of firearms from individuals subject to domestic violence complaints.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of this legislative change in protecting domestic violence victims. Some question whether it serves as a genuine safeguard or merely a political maneuver to divert attention from broader issues surrounding police responses to domestic violence incidents.
Assessing risk in domestic violence cases involves various methods, including issuing protection orders, detaining perpetrators, or referring victims to support services. Police rely on risk assessment processes, which consider factors such as the victim’s fear, past threats or assaults, and the perpetrator’s access to firearms. However, risk assessment is not foolproof and can be influenced by officers’ perceptions and biases.
While firearm-related domestic violence fatalities are relatively low in Western Australia, the impact of mandatory gun removal remains uncertain. Critics argue it may create a false sense of security for victims and potentially lead to police complacency. Removing firearms does not guarantee safety, and broader systemic reforms are needed to address domestic violence effectively.
In Queensland, an independent inquiry into police responses to domestic violence highlighted the need for improved risk assessment practices, training, and systemic reforms. Similar comprehensive approaches are necessary in Western Australia to address the underlying issues contributing to domestic violence and ensure better protection for victims.
In conclusion, while legislative changes are a step forward, they must be accompanied by broader reforms to address systemic challenges in combating domestic violence effectively. Simply enacting headline-grabbing laws is insufficient without addressing the root causes and shortcomings in the existing system.