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NSW Victim Register needs to be more transparent

NSW Victim Register needs to be more transparent

A loophole that prevents the justice system from warning victims of crime in NSW that convicted attackers are being considered for release puts the interests of wrongly convicted criminals ahead of victims, many of whom are still fearful or suffering ongoing trauma.

Authorities take victims’ feelings into account when considering parole, but fail to communicate with them. This responsibility Corrective Services NSW Victims Registerbut a catch-22 prevents victims from taking action unless they agree to be contacted in advance.

The attendance system causes great suffering for victims of criminals sentenced to 12 years or more in prison.

abnormality appeared this week An off-duty police officer was beaten with a brick in May 2009 by drug addict Roderick Holohan, who was sentenced to 21 years in prison, when he learned the attacker was being considered for release. Former sergeant Samantha Barlow remained in the dark until 11am when a friend contacted her about Holohan.

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A year ago, Barlow was furious to learn that Holohan’s future in prison was being considered and hastily complied with authorities’ orders to keep him locked up, fearing they might cross paths if he was released. “At a time when there is bipartisan support at both the state and federal level to do something about violence against women, a known violent offender who attacked me while on parole for a prior crime is being considered for return to society,” Barlow said. the reporter After learning that Holohan will be released again.

Holohan, who was 39 when he attacked Barlow, had spent years behind bars for violent attacks, mostly on women. The Serious Offenders Review Council concluded that Holohan should be recommended for release and its recommendation was sent to the State Parole Authority. The State of NSW has formally opposed his release and the SPA will decide his fate at a later date.

Corrective Services NSW, which oversees records, said it was “extremely distressing” for some victims as parole approached. To avoid causing unnecessary pain, it does not contact people who have not registered.

Barlow, who returned to work after the attack but later left the agency, said the system was pivoting forward. “People who have gone through the most traumatic experience of their lives … are expected to have the logical thinking required to be part of a body that will one day be called upon parole five, 10 or 15 years from now.” in question.

NSW Premier Chris Minns Vows to change Victim Registerdriven by reporter Barlow’s story. “The system is not good enough, so I would like to see change because we need to be completely transparent with victims of crime,” Minns said.

Currently many victims slip through the cracks. The current system needs to be reversed, using an opt-out option by revoking the opt-in clause and maintaining regular contact with victims to check if they have changed their minds.

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