Glitch in Justice: Computer Error Jeopardises Domestic Violence Victims in NSW

An IT glitch has reportedly altered the expiration dates on thousands of court orders meant to protect victims of domestic and personal violence in NSW, leaving up to 150 victims vulnerable. 

The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) confirmed the error, which affected approximately 1.9% of the department's 249,905 Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs). This means that the registered deadlines on around 4748 AVOs do not match the dates originally ordered by the courts. 

Despite this, most AVOs remain valid, according to the department. A total of 150 court orders were mistakenly marked as expired due to this mistake, while about 500 AVOs were recorded to end sooner than directed by the court. 

This faulty system used by the NSW police to monitor Domestic Violence offenders has affected court orders dating back to December 2016. The department is reportedly working to rectify the expiration dates. DCJ will issue amended orders to both complainants and defendants.

Meanwhile, a computer system repair is expected to be implemented soon to prevent such issues. 

Premier Chris Minns assured the government’s commitment towards rectifying the issue swiftly, adding that such an error wasn't acceptable.

- CyberBeat