Friends and family of Molly Ticehurst, the woman who was allegedly murdered by her former partner while he was on bail, are calling for bail law reforms in NSW named in her honour.
If passed, “Molly’s Law” would ensure police know the location of people on bail for domestic, family and sexual violence charges at all times to better protect alleged victims of these crimes.
The call comes just over a week after Molly Ticehurst, a 28-year-old mother in Forbes, a regional NSW town, was killed in a “brutal” attack. Her former partner, 29-year-old Daniel Billings, was on bail for a separate offence before he contravened an apprehended violence order (AVO) and murdered Ticehurst, police allege.
Following her death, Premier of NSW Chris Minns ordered an urgent review into bail laws in NSW.
Speaking to ABC News, Jacinda Acheson, a spokesperson for Ticehurst’s family, said Molly’s Law will help change the judicial system that “let Molly down”.
“There has to be something put in place that says if you receive bail today, we will know where you are the minute you walk out of there,” Acheson told ABC News.
“Molly did everything that she could and, when she finally became brave enough… to ask for help, the help was not given.
“The judicial system let Molly down; the victim support teams let Molly down.
“In Molly’s case the police did everything they could do to keep Molly safe.”
Mandatory monitoring of alleged perpetrators of domestic, family and sexual violence on bail is something that could be considered at today’s national cabinet meeting. In Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will be joined by state premiers and territory chief ministers, including NSW Premier Chris Minns, to discuss state, territory and federal government action on gender-based violence.
Advocates in the space, as well as politicians, have also called for mandatory monitoring of alleged perpetrators on bail.
Earlier this week, Katherine Berney, director of the National Women’s Safety Alliance, said she hopes to see a national review of all domestic, family and sexual violence deaths while the accused is on bail or a domestic violence order (DVO). The NWSA said this review should be conducted by the Death Review Network “to understand the extent of the issue”.
On top of that, the NWSA demand for “nationally consistent bail reform”, including the involvement of DFSV specialist services to provide risk assessment in the legal system “when assessing risk to victims”.
Yesterday, 11 crossbenchers signed a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, making similar calls for “immediate” reforms to bail laws.
The crossbenchers suggest reforms such as mandatory sentencing, consequences for breaching AVOs, electronic monitoring, abolishing the admission of “good character” references and a National Domestic Violence Register.
Women’s Agenda has contacted NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley for comment.
Molly Ticehurst was killed just over a week ago. On Wednesday night, people in Forbes are encouraged to turn on their front porch lights on as a tribute for Molly.
This tribute will be followed by her funeral service in Forbes on Thursday. Several local businesses in Forbes are closing for the service.
Next Sunday 12 May, the Forbes Shire Council and not-for-profit organisation Boys to the Bush will be hosting a walk around Lake Forbes “to honour the life of Molly Ticehurst”.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
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