Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog has publicly apologised to a family violence victim for how it handled her complaints about Victoria Police.

Commissioner Victoria Elliott has also expressed "deep regret" for how IBAC responded to a special report about the victim's matter in 2022. 

The victim says the apology is a sign of "strong leadership and improving culture" at IBAC, but that Victoria's police oversight system must be urgently overhauled.

Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog has taken the extraordinary step of publicly apologising to a family violence victim for how it handled her complaints about Victoria Police's response to her reports of abuse by a serving police officer.

The commissioner of the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) today told a parliamentary committee she was sincerely sorry for how IBAC had dealt with the victim's complaints, as well as how it later responded to a special report by the Victorian Inspectorate which found serious failings in both Victoria Police's and IBAC's handling of her matter.

The apology — a rare instance of IBAC admitting failure in unusually candid and conciliatory language — is a sharp reminder of the struggle for accountability victims of police-perpetrated family violence too often face. 

The victim, Jana Katerinskaja, and her lawyer say it also highlights the need for urgent reform to IBAC's structure and governance to enable it to provide more meaningful oversight of Victoria Police.

"IBAC barely say 'hello' to people, let alone apologise, so this apology is as rare as hen's teeth," said Jeremy King, principal lawyer and head of the police and prisons team at Robinson Gill. 

"It's a testament to the fact that Jana has fought with such tenacity and intelligence that she has got that result. But she would be the only person in Victoria that I'm aware of that would ever have had anything like this from IBAC."

  IBAC apologises to family violence victim for mishandling complaints about Victoria Police - ABC News 

Police accountability and transparency is "all for show"

Officers who dealt with her matter failed to conduct a mandatory family violence risk assessment and issue a safety notice, tried to dissuade her from proceeding with her complaint, and told her that because she had "submitted" to sex with her husband 

 "The very institution tasked with responding to family violence has an inherent and ongoing problem with abusers in the ranks and a persistent culture of impunity," said Lauren Caulfield, coordinator of the Beyond Survival: Policing Family Violence project. "Victoria Police say that SOFVU will only deal with high-risk police-perpetrated family violence but … all family violence by police is inherently high-risk" — they have significant power and authority and access to weapons and intelligence systems. The force's "persistent refusal" to engage with the seriousness of this violence, Caulfield said, "speaks to a fundamental conflict of interest when police investigate their own". 

 Still, she never reported it, partly because her husband was a higher-ranking police officer than her — he'd explicitly warned her that no one would believe her, that he'd tell their colleagues she was "crazy". He also destroyed evidence she'd gathered, she said — photos she took of her injuries, notes she made about his attacks. 

  In the four years to 2024, fewer officers were charged (28) but a higher proportion were found guilty (eight), four of whom had convictions recorded. SOFVU's Detective Superintendent Sharon Congreve said none of the officers found guilty were still employed by Victoria Police: four resigned and three were medically discharged whilst under investigation and one — a senior constable who breached a family violence intervention order — was sacked at a disciplinary hearing.  

 Victoria Police promised no more 'special treatment' for abusive cops. Three years on, victims feel betrayed - ABC News 

 Police-perpetrated domestic violence (PPDV) is a form of police misconduct that has increasingly come to light over the past 30 years (Johnson et al., 2005; Mennicke and Ropes, 2016). Research in the US suggests domestic violence (DV) may be two to four times more prevalent in police families than in the general public (Mennicke and Ropes, 2016; Russell and Pappas, 2018). In Australia, the Independent Commission of Inquiry into Queensland Police Service Responses to Domestic and Family Violence (2022) criticised not only the action and inaction of police in dealing with DV, but also highlighted cases of PPDV called out by the public and police employees themselves. A coalition of news reporters in the US reported problems with the handling of PPDV cases and suggested a culture of tolerance to PPDV in Los Angeles (Lewis and Debolt, 2019). Similarly, in the UK, a super-complaint filed against the UK Metropolitan Police by the Centre for Women’s Justice (CWJ) alleged that police agencies across the nation were failing to respond appropriately to cases of PPDV, with improper decisions on criminal charges, and an incorrect approach to misconduct investigations and disciplinary decisions (CWJ, 2020). Following the super complaint, the CWJ identified that police continue to dis miss reports of PPDV, often characterising them as merely ‘unpleasant’ personal conduct and irrelevant to an officer’s professional responsibilities (CWJ, 2024). Perhaps most concerningly, the CWJ (2024) reported that, despite allega tions of PPDV, some officers were promoted to senior roles 

 Surveying public attitudes towards police-perpetrated domestic violence: Does perpetrator occupation matter? SAGE JOURNALS

 Insight - Thinning Blue Line | SBS On Demand 

Why were these police officers not charged for handcuffing a female police officer to a table?

Police call a review of the culture inside the police stations but dont talk to the fallen families

 Home · Independent Cultural Review into New South Wales Police Force 

The review does not want to address the domestic violence in the force

Australian police forces have a domestic violence problem and we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg - ABC News 

Hayley Gleeson

Researchers from the Centre for Women's Justice (CWJ) unearthed 'shocking' levels of abuse by serving officers and found that forces are failing to properly investigate.

The women's charity also discovered instances of officers who were promoted to roles with responsibility for policing rape and domestic abuse while facing allegations of abuse themselves.

The charity said that, since submitting a 'super-complaint' about police failure to tackle domestic abuse in March 2020, it has been contacted by more than 200 victims of abuse by police officers.

Some 45 per cent of the women who came forward are themselves police officers or staff, the CWJ said. They report being victimised and even forced out of jobs after they reported a fellow officer.

 "From the outset, it felt like … I was the one under investigation," said Tara, who worries any other complainant would have pulled out then and there. "What it did was place this seed of doubt [in me]: Are they actually going to look into this? Do they believe me? I feel like they want this to go away." Still, she gave a statement in early 2023 feeling hopeful that the accused might at least "reflect" on his actions. 

 Victoria Police promised no more 'special treatment' for abusive cops. Three years on, victims feel betrayed - ABC News 

 'He knows how to make sure that there is no evidence': When your domestic violence abuser is a police officer 

 Woman confronts ex-husband who abused her while serving as a SAPOL detective - ABC News 

 Police officer charged with domestic violence assault | Magnet | Eden, NSW 

Abstract: Victoria’s anti‑corruption watchdog (IBAC) publicly apologises to a victim-survivor for how it handled her complaints about Victoria Police’s response to her reports of abuse by a serving officer. The story highlights oversight failures and renews calls for stronger, genuinely independent police accountability pathways—especially where a perpetrator’s employment creates a conflict of interest.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-02/ibac-apology-family-violence-complaints-victoria-police/106404176

Abstract: ABC reporting examines outcomes for family violence matters involving Victoria Police employees and includes victim accounts describing distressing delays, minimisation, and procedural failures. Advocates argue all police‑perpetrated family violence should be treated as inherently high‑risk, and that independent investigation is essential to victim safety and public trust.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-29/victoria-police-sofvu-family-violence-serving-officers-victims/105215930

Abstract: A court report centred on victim impact statements describing long‑term harm and loss of trust in police after abuse by a former police detective. The story illustrates how OIDV can reshape a victim’s help‑seeking behaviour, particularly when they feel “silenced” by police or the broader system.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-15/matthew-thomson-victim-impact-statements/105177868

Abstract: A national investigation into how police agencies respond to alleged domestic violence committed by police employees, using FOI material and victim/advocate perspectives. It frames police‑perpetrated DV as uniquely dangerous due to authority, access to weapons and information systems, and cultures of loyalty that can suppress accountability.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-19/police-in-australia-are-failing-to-take-action-against-domestic/12757914

Abstract: An analysis piece arguing that persistent accountability gaps around police‑perpetrated DV create unacceptable risk for victims and communities. It discusses transparency, firearms risk management, and the need for structural reforms so investigations involving serving officers are handled impartially.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-07/police-force-domestic-violence-serving-officers-homicide-truth/103526170

Abstract: FOI‑based reporting on NSW Police officers charged with DV offences and the barriers victims face when seeking help against a police perpetrator. The story emphasises that “police investigating police” can leave victims feeling unsafe, disbelieved, or exposed to retaliation—driving calls for major overhaul.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-10/nsw-police-officers-charged-with-domestic-violence-2020-victims/100114114

Abstract: Reports that multiple NSW officers who were found guilty/convicted of serious DV offences remained employed, prompting concern about accountability and community confidence. The story illustrates how employment outcomes can diverge from criminal justice outcomes—an issue that is especially charged in OIDV contexts.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-14/nsw-police-officers-convicted-domestic-violence-kept-jobs/100982038

Abstract: A victim-survivor account describing the “closed ranks” experience that can follow when a police perpetrator is charged—where the victim feels outnumbered by institutional solidarity even if individual investigators behave appropriately. The story calls for stronger policy, victim protections, and cultural change across the organisation.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-15/josie-officer-convicted-domestic-violence-nsw-police-force/100981846

Abstract: ABC reporting on QLD data about DVO applications and charges involving police employees, highlighting advocates’ concerns that official figures underestimate prevalence due to under‑reporting. It explicitly connects OIDV to heightened coercive control risk because police perpetrators can weaponise state resources (weapons, tracking, systems access).
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-09/queensland-police-service-increase-domestic-violence-officers/101133908

Abstract: A short report on charges laid against a serving NSW officer in relation to an alleged domestic‑violence incident, including court process details. Useful as a concise example showing OIDV can involve severe violence and serious criminal allegations.
Link: https://7news.com.au/news/crime/nsw-police-officer-charged-with-dv-offence-c-1319227

Abstract: Reports multiple DV‑related charges against a NSW senior constable alongside allegations involving restricted data access, showing how OIDV can intersect with misuse of police systems. It also illustrates how bail, court timetables, and employment restrictions can operate in parallel.
Link: https://www.9news.com.au/national/police-officer-charged-domestic-violence-offences-bail/ed8ed5e2-72cf-4df2-bc90-6f214ea7b142

Abstract: An ABC audio segment featuring a victim-survivor questioning the response of Victoria Police’s specialist unit and the surrounding oversight framework. Useful to embed as multimedia context alongside written reporting.
Link: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/am/victim-questions-sofvu-response/105217316

Abstract: A brief news report about a senior Queensland officer being stood down amid DV allegations, illustrating public accountability pressure when OIDV allegations involve senior ranks. Full text may be paywalled.
Link: (paywalled)

Abstract: A local report describing DV charges involving a serving NSW officer and the court process. Full text may be paywalled, but it’s relevant as an example of regional coverage of OIDV cases.
Link: (paywalled) 

Abstract: Reports that an officer charged with DV assault/stalking offences remained employed on restricted duties, with firearms access removed and database use supervised. Relevant for explaining what “restricted duties” can look like in practice while criminal matters proceed.
Link: https://www.pedestrian.tv/news/sydney-cop-domestic-violence-rugby-brendan-oxford/

Abstract: A legal explainer summarising reports and FOI information about serving officers keeping their jobs despite DV convictions/findings, with commentary on public confidence and accountability. Helpful for audiences who want a law/policy angle.
Link: https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/nsw-police-officers-keep-their-jobs-despite-having-domestic-violence-convictions/

Abstract: A regional news item reporting a police officer being charged with domestic violence assault and related court steps. Useful to show OIDV cases occur outside major capitals as well.
Link: https://www.edenmagnet.com.au/story/8614797/police-officer-charged-with-domestic-violence-assault/

Abstract: A feature/opinion raising the risk created when a police perpetrator has access to a service firearm at home and how that access can amplify coercive control and fear. Full text may be subscription‑only.
Link: https://www.smh.com.au/national/my-husband-should-not-be-carrying-a-gun-20030921-gdhfd5.html

Abstract: A report focused on alleged predatory conduct by some officers toward vulnerable DV victims, highlighting broader “abuse of power” risks connected to police authority and credibility. Full text may be subscription‑only.
Link: https://www.smh.com.au/national/police-prey-on-victims-of-domestic-violence-20151129-glaqax.html

Abstract: A feature examining what victims encounter when the perpetrator is a police officer, including perceived conflicts of interest, organisational culture issues, and the escalation risks around reporting and separation. Full text may be subscription‑only.
Link: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/terrifying-what-happens-when-police-officers-abuse-their-partners-20230818-p5dxm8.html

Abstract: A TV episode focused on police accountability and culture, including a case questioning why officers were not charged after handcuffing a female officer to a table. Useful as video context on institutional accountability and “closed ranks” dynamics.
Link: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/insight/season-2025/episode-28-thinning-blue-line

Abstract: The official hub for the independent cultural review of NSW Police, including scope, updates, and information relevant to organisational culture and accountability. Useful background context when discussing OIDV as a systemic/cultural issue, not only individual misconduct.
Link: https://www.nswpolicereview.nsw.gov.au/

Abstract: UK investigation compiling women’s accounts and FOI data about domestic abuse allegations involving police officers, including claims of intimidation, harassment, and differential handling. Highlights how reporting can become more dangerous—and more traumatising—when the abuser is “inside the system.”
Link: https://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2019-05-01/police-perpetrators-domestic-violence

Abstract: A first‑person account of family abuse by a Metropolitan Police detective and how closed‑ranks culture can enable impunity and block safety. It’s useful for illustrating the long‑term impact on children and the credibility barrier victims face when the perpetrator is law enforcement.
Link: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/opendemocracyuk/i-survived-abuse-by-a-serving-police-officer-and-i-know-where-impunity-leads/

Abstract: This study tests whether the perpetrator being a police officer changes how the public judges domestic violence, using a vignette‑based survey design with an Australian respondent sample (reported as 172). It is relevant to OIDV because it directly examines whether police status affects credibility, blame, and expectations of accountability.
Link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14613557251379252
(Alt full-text copy) https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au/server/api/core/bitstreams/b1eff59a-485e-496c-adaf-340100201d36/content

Abstract: A research‑informed explainer describing how police training, credibility, and system knowledge can be weaponised in domestic abuse—especially via evidence‑avoidance tactics and narrative control after incidents. Useful for educating health/legal professionals on why OIDV disclosures can look “messy” while still being high‑risk.
Link: https://phys.org/news/2025-03-evidence-domestic-violence-abuser.html

Abstract: A general explainer on why domestic violence involving law enforcement creates distinct safety, credibility, and reporting barriers for victims. Useful as a plain‑language resource to support training and community education pages on OIDV.
Link: https://www.nsvrc.org/blog_post/who-watches-watchers-domestic-violence-and-law-enforcement-leigh-goodmark/

Abstract: IBAC material focused on predatory behaviour and abuse of power involving police and vulnerable people (including those experiencing DV). Relevant to OIDV because it addresses power‑misuse patterns and institutional safeguards/oversight—issues that often arise when police status is weaponised.
Link: https://www.ibac.vic.gov.au/predatory-behaviour-by-police

Abstract: A report drawing on Centre for Women’s Justice material and victim accounts, including claims of malicious counter‑allegations and inadequate investigations. Relevant to OIDV because it emphasises “systems abuse” dynamics where the perpetrator’s professional status shapes the response victims receive.
Link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13862191/Domestic-abuse-rife-police-officers-study-claims-complainants-ignored-facing-malicious-counter-allegations.html

Abstract: A sensationalised take on the Michelle O’Connell case, where family dispute a suicide ruling involving a law‑enforcement partner’s service weapon. If you use this on your site, consider also linking to more established reporting on the same case for balance.
Link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2513102/Michelle-OConnells-family-claim-actually-murdered-cop-boyfriend.htmlMy Husband Should Not be carrying a Gun

 My husband should not be carrying a gun 

 NSW police officers convicted of domestic violence have kept their jobs, despite force's claims of 'zero tolerance' - ABC News 

 ‘It was awful’: Annie’s worst fears came true after she accused her police officer partner of DV | Australian police and policing | The Guardian 

 Police prey on victims of domestic violence 

 The abuse of victims of crime involves a small number of police officers attempting to form sexual or social relationships with victims of domestic violence who the officers have met while investigating the victim's abuse. 

 Predatory behaviour by Victoria Police officers against vulnerable personsIntelligence Report 2December 2015"Female victims of Domestic violence have been the most frequent targets of alledged predatory behaviours by police." 

 Predatory behaviour by police | IBAC 

 Syd Cop Facing Domestic Violence Charges Continues To Serve 

 NSW Police Officers Keep Their Jobs Despite Having Domestic Violence Convictions 

 NSW police officer charged with domestic violence offences allegedly looked up ex-partner on Cops database | New South Wales | The Guardian 

 Nowhere to turn: Women say domestic abuse by police officers… | TBIJ 

 “He used to say the police would protect him and if I phoned up against him, he’d just get me put in prison,” she said. “One day it was too much and I did phone. In hindsight that was the biggest mistake of my whole life.” 

We're always looking for new and innovativ NSW police officer granted bail while facing 25 domestic violence-related charges e ways to approach medical research. Our team is constantly exploring new technologies, techniques, and approaches to achieve our goals.

 I survived abuse by a serving police officer, and I know where impunity leads | openDemocracy