Domestic and family violence awareness month: The role of technology in tackling DFV

May is Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, a time to reflect on one of the most pressing and heartbreaking challenges facing our communities today. It’s also a time to recognise the tireless efforts of the frontline professionals, especially police officers, who respond to these incidents every single day. 

But behind the campaigns and community events, frontline police across Australia and New Zealand are feeling the pressure. Domestic and family violence (DFV) isn’t just rising in frequency - it’s becoming more complex and more time-consuming to investigate. 

For many police jurisdictions, DFV now makes up the bulk of frontline work. These incidents are intense, emotionally charged, and often repeat. A single DFV callout can take an officer anywhere from four to five hours especially with all the paperwork that follows. 

That means fewer officers available to respond to other emergencies. It also means more stress and burnout for those on the frontline. Police want to protect victims and hold offenders accountable, but with current systems and processes, it’s often an uphill battle. 

The hidden burden of DFV casework 

What a lot of people don’t see is what happens after the initial response. 

Officers return to the station and spend hours writing statements, compiling evidence, chasing follow-up information, and creating forms and applications and building case files for court. In DFV investigations, this documentation needs to be thorough, consistent and legally sound - but it takes time. A lot of it. 

And when that time is being taken from an already overstretched frontline, something has to give. In many cases, it’s officer wellbeing, case quality, or both. 

Relieving the pressure: How smart tech supports frontline policing 

One of the most significant moments in Comtrac’s journey so far came when we partnered with a state police agency facing an overwhelming domestic violence workload. 

The agency was in crisis. Officers were spending between four to six hours preparing domestic violence applications after each callout. These extended offline periods severely impacted response capacity for other incidents and led to major concerns about officer wellbeing. 

The issue had become so serious it was making headlines. Attrition rates were climbing. Officers and unions were vocal about the unsustainable pressure created by paperwork, administrative delays, and time constraints. 

This was more than a workflow problem, it was a frontline capability issue. By introducing Comtrac’s DFV investigation workflow into their operations, the agency quickly saw measurable improvements. Administrative time was significantly reduced, case quality was more consistent, and frontline officers were able to spend more time where they were needed most, in the community. 

This early success reinforced what we’ve always believed: when processes are streamlined and technology is purpose-built, agencies can respond more effectively to complex, high-volume challenges like domestic and family violence. It showed what’s possible when innovation meets real-world pressure. 

Moving forward 

As we mark Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month this May, it's crucial to reflect not only on the impact of DFV on victims but also on the challenges faced by our frontline professionals. Their dedication to addressing the rising complexity of DFV cases cannot be overstated. Yet, as this crisis continues to strain their resources, innovative solutions like streamlined workflows and smart technology are becoming critical in supporting their efforts. 

At Comtrac, we've seen firsthand how technological advancements can relieve the immense pressure on frontline officers, enabling them to manage their caseloads more efficiently while maintaining the high standards of care that victims and the community deserve. By reducing administrative burdens, officers are able to focus more on what truly matters: protecting victims, holding offenders accountable, and preventing future harm. 

This isn’t just about technology for the sake of it, it’s about giving our officers the support they need so they can keep doing their important work without burning out. This Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, let’s take a step back and think about how we can all do more to support those on the frontline. Whether it’s through better systems, better tools, or simply acknowledging the stress they face, we can make a real difference in the fight against DFV. 

If you're in a position to make a change, consider how technology can help. Together, we can build a safer and more supportive environment for everyone affected by domestic and family violence. If you're part of a law enforcement or government agency and want to see Comtrac's DFV workflow in action, reach out to us here. 

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