ABSTRACT
This chapter examines judicial sentencing remarks in intimate partner femicide cases in New South Wales, Australia between 2000 and 2014, comparing them to in-depth qualitative and homicide census review information uncovered through domestic violence death review investigation processes. The Domestic Violence Death Review Team (DVDRT) is a committee comprised of government and non-government members whose legislative mandate is to conduct in-depth review of domestic violence related deaths with a view to recommending improvements to domestic violence systems and services. The concept of 'prior good character' also worked in favour of defendants who, while having no previous convictions for domestic violence offences, had anecdotal histories of abuse towards victims. Domestic violence death reviews – known as Domestic Violence Fatality Reviews, or Domestic and Family Violence Homicide Reviews – investigate homicides or suicides occurring in a domestic violence context. The New South Wales DVDRT parliamentary reports consistently highlight the need for ongoing attention to the structural components of men's violence against women.
