Domestic and Family Violence Death Review in Australia: A Comparative Analysis
Tracks
Room 4: In-Person Only
| Tuesday, November 25, 2025 |
| 1:35 PM - 2:05 PM |
Overview
Hayley Tuttle, Empowering Growth Pty Ltd
Details
1. National consistency is needed for effective DFV data
Inconsistent approaches impede national data analysis and hinders the development of an effective national strategy with meaningful resource allocation.
2. Co-ordinated Interagency Collaboration is essential
Strong collaboration between government and non-government agencies is critical to break down the silos to allow for comprehensive analysis and response.
3. Research-driven recommendations lead to tangible change
Research provides actionable, evidence-based recommendations which can directly inform policy and practice for real-world improvements in DFV identification, early intervention, prevention and response.
Speaker
Hayley Tuttle
Director
Empowering Growth Pty Ltd
Domestic and Family Violence Death Review in Australia: A comparative analysis
Presentation Overview
Domestic and family violence (DFV) remains a pervasive global problem affecting men, women and children. The fatal consequences of domestic abuse are seldom unexpected, suggesting critical opportunities for intervention and prevention. The development of DFV-related death review teams across Australia aims to meticulously analyse DFV-related homicides, thereby strengthening service delivery and identifying actionable strategies to mitigate future deaths.
However, a critical gap exists in the Northern Territory, which, despite exhibiting the highest rate of DFV-related deaths in Australia, lacks a dedicated DFV death review team. Consequently, the potential for systemic improvements and targeted interventions remains unrealized. To address this disparity and enhance national efforts, this study undertakes a comprehensive comparative analysis of existing Australian DFV-related death review models. Furthermore, it incorporates insights from a successful Canadian model, renowned for its holistic approach and robust data analysis, to inform the development of best practices.
Employing a content analysis research method, this study scrutinizes publicly available reports and legislative frameworks governing DFV death review teams in Australia and Canada. The analysis reveals both commonalities and significant divergences across Australian models, particularly in areas such as data collection methodologies, information sharing protocols, and the composition of review team membership. These variations pose substantial challenges to national data reporting and analysis, hindering the development of a unified and effective national strategy.
This report culminates in a series of targeted recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficacy of existing Australian DFV-related death review teams. It provides specific guidance for the Northern Territory Government, outlining the essential components and implementation strategies for establishing a robust and impactful DFV death review team. By fostering a collaborative and evidence-based approach, this study strives to contribute to a significant reduction in DFV-related deaths and improve the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations across Australia.
However, a critical gap exists in the Northern Territory, which, despite exhibiting the highest rate of DFV-related deaths in Australia, lacks a dedicated DFV death review team. Consequently, the potential for systemic improvements and targeted interventions remains unrealized. To address this disparity and enhance national efforts, this study undertakes a comprehensive comparative analysis of existing Australian DFV-related death review models. Furthermore, it incorporates insights from a successful Canadian model, renowned for its holistic approach and robust data analysis, to inform the development of best practices.
Employing a content analysis research method, this study scrutinizes publicly available reports and legislative frameworks governing DFV death review teams in Australia and Canada. The analysis reveals both commonalities and significant divergences across Australian models, particularly in areas such as data collection methodologies, information sharing protocols, and the composition of review team membership. These variations pose substantial challenges to national data reporting and analysis, hindering the development of a unified and effective national strategy.
This report culminates in a series of targeted recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficacy of existing Australian DFV-related death review teams. It provides specific guidance for the Northern Territory Government, outlining the essential components and implementation strategies for establishing a robust and impactful DFV death review team. By fostering a collaborative and evidence-based approach, this study strives to contribute to a significant reduction in DFV-related deaths and improve the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations across Australia.
Biography
Hayley is a Director of Empowering Growth Pty Ltd - a Darwin-based company dedicated to providing specialised training and consultancy focused on domestic abuse practice and response. Hayley is a certified Safe and Together Model Trainer. Hayley has qualifications in B.Psychology and M.Criminology. Hayley has commenced PhD research through Bond University examining perpetrator behaviour patterns, IPH and risk assessment in the Northern Territory and Queensland. Hayley has worked in child protection for over 20 years in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Hayley advocates for integrated service delivery where a shared language and co-ordinated response, supports positive outcomes for victim survivors.
