We are all responsible for our own actions and should be held to account accordingly, it’s simple principle.
However, time and again, we see people perpetrate abuse and commit crimes then not held to account, even seemingly get little punishment. It is hard enough for victims but when their perpetrators are given support after being apprehended to help them [prevent the behaviour from occurring again], it can feel like the ultimate insult. Especially as recovery for victims can be a long and lonely process.
So isn’t it a fair question why are we not putting the same (preferably more) effort to prevent offences in the first place rather than react after the damage is done.
Back in 2016, Manmeet Alisher was burned alive while doing his job as a bus driver (28 Oct; Brisbane). He wasn’t even supposed to be there that day; he had done someone a favour in swapping shifts. An act of kindness that cost him his life!
The man who threw the molotov cocktail and set him alight to die in the most agonising way, was never held to account. He was charged with his murder, 14 counts of attempted murder (bus passengers) and arson, then two years later the Mental Health Court ruled Mr O’Donohue was of unsound mind at the time and therefore couldn’t stand trial. Nobody else was held to account either.
The attacker was ordered to ten (10) years of mandatory treatment in a high security facility. He had nearly served that by the time the coroner’s inquest on Manmeet’s death seven (7) years later was complete. After all this time, the findings meant nobody would be accountable nor take responsibility for Manmeet’s death.
The coroner’s report reads like a comedy of errors; except it is so resoundingly tragic and inexcusable. The errors were from social and frontline services supposed to keep the community safe. Multiple agencies failed; the whole incident was gift wrapped as systemic failures with agency after agency pointing to underfunding to be a contributing factor.
When services are not funded, regulated, monitored and measured for outcomes to properly and adequately serve the community in all areas (safety, welfare, education, health etc). Then it’s not a systemic failure it is a system designed to fail.
This phrase of ‘systemic failure’ is bandied about as if it’s a force of its own; that explains and justifies even the worst outcomes. Like a nonchalant shrug of the shoulders, indicating it’s all in the too hard basket. Let’s be clear; the ‘system’ is the conglomeration of agencies set up and funded by the Government. So, if systems are failing they are the failures of [successive] Governments.
These alleged systemic failures led to one man murdered and attempting to kill a further 13 passengers in broad daylight was perpetrated by someone who the ‘system’ was responsible for. The bureaucratic machinery immediately kicked into action spending millions to pretty much make sure there was nobody to take responsibility. Reports, files, evidence, hearings; a mountain of paperwork to ensure no stone was left unturned in finding out how this happened after it happened and ensuring blame could not be attributed to anyone or single agency. Thus ensuring responsibility was so far diluted there was no room for accountability.
Similarly and way more often when almost every week we hear of a woman, or a child die from Domestic & Family Violence, each time there is a quick observation of whether they were known to the police, or an ADVO was in place. The check to see if the system could be held responsible. There is almost palpable relief when ‘they weren’t known to…’ pops up, as if therefore the system couldn’t possibly be responsible.
When a family is known to the police; it means the situation has escalated to the point of law enforcement intervention. That is the key KPI that the system as a whole has already failed, as we look closer into this system ask the question what is preventing offences or escalation of abuse?
What we have is a system that has suffered long term neglect, systemic underfunding and failure to adapt to contemporary growing communities. There is either a lack of services or a mismatch of support for todays family structures and cultural needs; often both and more.
Workers on the frontline are working desperately hard to play catch up in a forsaken starved structure and framework.
In the meantime, victim or their families work on their recovery by adding to the growing number of charities and foundations; each with the true belief that their ‘lived experience’ will be valuable in knowing how to fix the system.
Only to sadly come to the realisation; everyone already knows what should be done, how to do it and to what degree. Each new organisation is an illustration and failed KPI of a Government failures to fix (at least improve) the system.
Meanwhile over the past 10+ years we have seen funding authorities developing a monopoly board of pilot programs for already strapped services to compete in. Inadequate budgets being creative to give the impression of doing ‘something’, there is irony that they sought innovation through these projects. There is no innovation in a properly funded sector and support services, it’s plain old fashioned ongoing support that will likely never end in need.
The consequences of which are in the community and a growth in not just DFV, youth crime, social incohesion, integration, undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions; the list goes on.
This year has been incredibly distressing for workers in the sector and the community with so many serious and fatal incidences in DFV, but still no overall strategy is in place, just a handful of funding announcements.
Just as in the case of Manmeet Alisher, the system takes no responsibility; in Governments across the country and at all levels there are decades of good recommendations left to fester in archives; ignored by Minister after Minister over the years.
Another victim, another offender, another police intervention and more post-intervention programs. This is the system for DFV. This dynamic must change if we are to have any chance of reducing violence and especially violence against women and children.
Offender programs mandate perpetrators take responsibility for their actions. So why isn’t the same standard mandated for Governments take responsibility. No more systemic failure explanations or excuses for heinous outcomes such as in Manmeet Alisher’s and the 52 victims of DFV this year.
Those who set up systems must take responsibility for ensuring they are fit for purpose and equipped to work properly. Speak to your local politicians when they come seeking your vote; simple question how are they taking responsibility to change this dynamic.
Footnote: If you are in fear for your safety call 000, You can also talk to your GP or call 1800 RESPECT.
