Inquest into the death of Michelle Daphne Michell

Case Number: 2021/00188952

Date of Findings: 28 March 2024

Magistrate: Deputy State Coroner, Joan Baptie

CORONIAL LAW - Domestic violence - homicide - NSW Police Force - Domestic Violence Safety Assessment Tool (DVSAT) - Apprehended Domestic Violence Order - cross-agency responses to domestic violence

Responses

Recommendations

To the Commissioner of Police

1. That the requirement be introduced to ensure that police officers completing a DVSAT review any prior DVSATs completed by the complainant, including any available narrative (Facts Sheets and/or DVO applications) for incidents in the last 12 months.

2. That the DV Registry create a bespoke training model whereby:

a) police officers observe (remotely, where appropriate) Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service (WDVCAS) officers administer DVSAT tools and WDVCAS officers observe police officers administer DVSAT tools; and

b) police officers and WDVCAS officers subsequently attend an in-person seminar to share reflections, commentary and feedback about administering those tools. 

3. That consideration is given to the Domestic and Family Violence Registry (DV Registry) within the New South Wales Police Force (NSW Police Force) being connected to (or at least given the opportunity to comment on) recruitment and education at the NSW Police academy.

4. That consideration is given to a pilot of a Police, Ambulance, Clinical, Early, Response (PACER) style co-responder program involving the attendance of WDVCAS officers at domestic violence 'call outs' during daylight hours. 

5. That a working party be formed, including members of the DV Registry, Crime Prevention Command, WDVCAS and Legal Aid to develop the pilot co-responder program.

6. That the working party also work on methods of improved information transfer and phone calls between police and WDVCAS. 

7. That urgent consideration is given to whether police officers are sufficiently trained in the professional judgement component of the current DVSAT and if further training is warranted prior to the introduction of the new DVSAT.