Specialist police squads targeting domestic violence offenders for the first time and perpetrators forced to undergo behaviour change programs will be the centrepiece of a $60 million initiative to be unveiled by the Baird government on Wednesday.
Six police teams will track the state's most violent and repeat domestic violence perpetrators through a suspect target management plan.
Each team, comprising a sergeant, six senior constables and an analyst, will also deal with offenders who breach apprehended violence orders, investigate domestic violence crimes and provide support to victims.
The $60 million package, which targets domestic violence perpetrators and supports victims, follows the $100 million funding announcement by the Turnbull government in September to tackle domestic violence and provides funding for trials of GPS trackers for perpetrators and extra security for women at home.
Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence Pru Goward said more than one in five domestic violence offenders would reappear in court convicted of similar crimes within two years.
"Domestic violence offenders are now on notice, the government is targeting your unacceptable behaviour and crimes," Ms Goward said.
In addition to the specialist squads, an extra 24 domestic violence liaison officers will start work at local area commands across the state in early 2016.
And almost $20 million will be invested in behaviour change programs for domestic violence offenders who are at serious risk of reoffending. The programs focus on power and offenders' attitudes towards partners in relationships.
NSW Police spokesman for domestic and family violence, Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller, said the government's commitment was a "game changer" for the way perpetrators would be dealt with.
"It's a game changer in terms of the way the police and government will view domestic violence offenders – it's time to get back to basics and focus on offender accountability," Mr Fuller said.
"At the end of the day if you are beating up your partner you are no better than an armed robber. It's important we tag domestic violence offenders in the same way we tag every other criminal."
Premier Mike Baird said it was imperative that offenders' attitudes and behaviours were targeted to make a lasting change.
"Domestic violence is a plague that needs to be eradicated across this state and country. No one should have to live in fear of their own home," Mr Baird said.
And for the first time Australia's first Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme will be rolled out at four local area commands from early 2016, including Oxley, Shoalhaven, St George and Sutherland.
The register is a tool that allows a person or a third party who has concerns about a partner to find out if they have a violent history.
Anyone who makes an application to the register will then be supported by non-government organisations that specialise in early intervention and crisis response.
END THE CYCLE: Stop family violence
The state government has also committed $20 million to women's refuges and homelessness services which will allow them to provide extra emergency accommodation and 24/7 on-call services.
Ms Goward said specialist support services were crucial in allowing people to leave abusive relationships.
"This extra funding will help people leaving abusive relationships make the crucial step forward to build a new life, safe and free from violence."
Domestic Violence NSW chief executive officer Moo Baulch said the government's commitment was an exciting start, but just the beginning of what was needed.
"This marks a really important step moving in the right direction," Ms Baulch said.
"It's a big boost to police in term of their responsibility around targeting domestic violence offenders."
NSW Rape Crisis Executive director Karen Willis said she could not wipe the smile off her face.
"I'm wildly excited. [The package] is outside budget processes, it's a clear follow-up from the federal announcement and it's an incredible chunk of money," Ms Willis said.
smh.com.au
