New domestic violence laws come into effect today

New laws for high-risk domestic violence offenders on the Far South Coast come into effect from today.

The Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order scheme allows courts to impose any conditions considered necessary to prevent domestic abuse perpetrators from using violence.

The tougher measures can include requiring an offender to report to a police station at a particular time, and tell police when commencing an intimate partner relationship or of any dating profiles they create or use.

Penalties include up to five years’ jail and/or a $33,000 fine.

** Domestic violence help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1800RESPECT.