The Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing welcomes the report released today by the WA Police reviewing police responses in the lead up to the murders of Jennifer and Gretl Petelczyc by Mark Bombara. We thank Commissioner Col Blanch for his serious and respectful approach to the review. The Commissioner has expressed his commitment to ensuring that each review recommendation is actioned, and progress has already started to be made.
On the release of the report today it is important to remember the gravity of the crimes committed by Mark Bombara. The murders of Jennifer and Gretl Petelczyc have had a devastating and life-long impact on those who loved them. Liesl Petelczyc, not yet 25 years old, will never see her mum and her sister again. It is the kind of heartbreaking loss that most of us could never imagine. We must also acknowledge the courage and determination of Ariel Bombara. She has stayed the course of what must have been a painstaking review because she wanted to ensure the same flaws in police response don’t lead to future preventable harm or death.
As the weapon that Mark Bombara used was a firearm there is understandably a heavy focus on changes to the Firearms Act as a mechanism to address failings in the Police response. However, we know that most domestic and family violence victims are killed from knife wounds and blunt force trauma and being beaten and choked to death.
It is critical that police are continuously supported and trained to quickly and accurately assess risk, including in matters where there are no firearms involved. The stakes are too high not to – we know too well that inadequate responses can be dangerous or fatal.
Police officers are the first responders to the majority of family and domestic violence situations in Western Australia. They play a critical role in ensuring that victim-survivors are safe, and perpetrators are brought into view and made accountable for choosing to harm and kill their partners, children and family members. The public should expect a robust response that recognises the seriousness of family and domestic violence crimes.
While we appreciate that the Police have been prepared to shine a light on their failings and areas of weakness, we are conscious that long-term change requires long-term commitment. Improved risk management by Police will require ongoing governance and oversight and a partnership with family and domestic violence specialists. An ongoing mechanism is necessary to highlight gaps in police responses and identify steps which can be taken to improve policing and ultimately, save lives. It is imperative that the community has trust in the police response. Regular and transparent audits increase that trust, as they demonstrate that police take seriously their responsibilities and are willing to reflect on and improve practices where it is required.
Police officers play a critical role as first responders to family and domestic violence situations. However, addressing family and domestic violence cannot be solved by WA Police alone. Many agencies play a role in helping those who are experiencing family and domestic violence. This is why the Family and Domestic Violence System Reform Plan is critically important, to ensure all government agencies and services work together to keep victim-survivors safe and perpetrators in view and accountable.
