Domestic-violence offenders will be targeted with prevention orders typically used to fight organised criminals as NSW leaders try to curb soaring rates.
The state government will increase penalties for repeated and serious AVO breaches under proposed laws that will include new offences for knowingly breaching an order with the intent to cause harm or fear.
A modern definition of stalking, that includes using technology to track a partner, will also form part of the crackdown on domestic violence.
Serious domestic abuse prevention orders - modelled on serious crime prevention orders used in response to organised crime - would allow a court to impose any conditions it finds appropriate to stop offences occurring.
Attorney-General Michael Daley said that could include an obligation for offenders to proactively declare things such as entering an intimate partner relationship or change of address, along with electronic monitoring, police reporting and social media bans.
“If people say to us 'you're really putting domestic violence offenders now in the same basket as some of the worst criminals in NSW' - yes we are, because that's where they deserve to be," he told reporters on Monday.
“It doesn't just issue them a piece of paper and say don't do that and then leave them to their own devices.
"It requires them … to be subject to much greater positive supervision.”
Changes to stalking laws will expressly state that monitoring and tracking someone's movements or communications constitutes a crime.
That will be the case whether or not the victim is contacted or approached.
A recent report from the NSW Crime Commission found domestic violence offenders were increasingly using technology such as GPS trackers to harass and intimidate victims.
Premier Chris Minns said his government had to do all it could to support domestic violence victims and help them feel safe.
“Everyone should be able to feel safe in their own home, but all too often for many that is not the case … these laws aim to support victim-survivors in feeling and being safe again,” he said.
Under the proposals, two aggravated AVO breach offences will be created.
Knowingly contravening an AVO with intent to cause harm or fear will carry a maximum three-year jail sentence.
Persistent breaches of an AVO will carry a maximum five-year prison term.
The laws will be introduced to parliament later in September.
NSW Women's Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin said the recent spate of horrific incidents made a well-rounded response vital.
“The community has called for wide-ranging action to address the shocking rates of domestic and family violence, including measures to prevent violence as well as stronger accountability for perpetrators,” she said.
“These reforms prioritise the safety of women and children and send a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated.”
The state government previously rolled out a series of measures, including $230 million in emergency funding, to combat domestic violence following a series of serious attacks such as the alleged murder of young Forbes mother Molly Ticehurst.
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