In a heart-wrenching incident that shook the community, Bekkie-Rae Curren-Trinca lost her life at the hands of her former partner, Paul McDonough, in November 2019. Now, her sister, Demi Trinca, is taking a stand to ensure that no other family has to endure such tragedy. Demi believes that if she had been alerted to McDonough’s early release from custody, her sister’s life might have been spared. This tragic incident highlights the crucial role of the Victorian Victims Register in empowering victims of violent crimes.
The Victorian Victims Register is a vital service for victims of violent crimes in Victoria, Australia. It offers victims the opportunity to receive updates about the offender’s sentence, including their release into the community on parole, the end of their sentence, and any placement on supervision or detention orders. This service is designed to keep victims informed and provide them with a sense of security and control over their circumstances.
However, currently, victims must opt-in to this system to receive notifications. Demi Trinca is advocating for a change, suggesting that this information should be readily available to victims without them having to actively seek it. She believes that if her sister had known about her former partner’s release, she would have left Warrnambool and not found herself in the dangerous situation that ultimately cost her life.
The tragic case of Bekkie-Rae Curren-Trinca underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and utilisation of the Victorian Victims Register. This system can play a pivotal role in preventing future tragedies by keeping victims informed and empowered to make safer decisions for themselves and their families.
To ensure that victims are fully aware of their rights and options, it’s essential to engage with the Victims Assistance Program case workers and lawyers, such as YourLawyer, who support victims of crime. These professionals can provide support, guidance, and assistance in completing the application form for the Victims Register.
In memory of Bekkie-Rae Curren-Trinca, it’s time to rally behind the cause of victim empowerment and awareness. Let’s advocate for broader knowledge about the Victorian Victims Register, making it an integral part of the support systems available to victims of violent crimes. By raising awareness and promoting its utilisation, we can honour Bekkie-Rae’s memory by working towards a safer, more informed, and empowered community for everyone.
(Photo credit: Facebook)
