Regulating private sector security provision for victims of domestic violence

Private companies are increasingly involved with the security concerns of victims of domestic violence. This involvement manifests in a number of forms including the proliferation of technology and private security companies that seek a market among domestic violence victims and services. In this article, data gathered in Australia are used to show that private sector involvement with victims of domestic violence can be a useful addition to the landscape of providers who respond to the needs of an under-protected population, but that steps must be taken to ensure the ethical and competent performance of such commercial actors and their technological solutions. Therefore, a form of ‘civil regulation’ is suggested that aims to align private security with the broader public interest.