Private investigators are increasingly being used by domestic abuse perpetrators to stalk and control their victims, sometimes with devastating consequences. In Australia, most states do not require private investigators to check clients for domestic violence orders or ensure that their services aren’t being misused.
This lack of regulation enables abusers to hire investigators under false pretenses, as seen in the horrific case of John Edwards. The Guardian reports that Edwards hired a private investigator to track his estranged wife, Olga, before murdering their two children, Jack and Jennifer. Tragically, Olga committed suicide 5 months after the deaths of her children.
John Edwards had a long history of domestic violence, and during his relationship with Olga, he became increasingly abusive. He hired a private investigator in 2016 to track her movements, and the following year, he killed their two children before taking his own life. This tragic case highlights the urgent need for regulation in the private investigator industry, especially in cases where domestic violence orders exist.
How Private Investigators Facilitate Coercive Control
Abusers frequently use private investigators as part of their broader pattern of coercive control. Investigators are hired to track down their victims, gather information, or even harass them indirectly. In the Edwards case, it emerged that Edwards had a history of using private investigators, not only with Olga but also to track down his estranged daughter from a previous relationship.
This highlights a chilling pattern: abusers use the tools of surveillance and private investigation to further exert control over their victims. This is especially dangerous in situations where restraining orders or other protective measures are in place, as private investigators may unknowingly help abusers find and terrorize their victims. Despite this, there are few checks in place to ensure that private investigators are not being used for malicious purposes.
Calls for Regulatory Reform
Currently, there is little oversight in the private investigation industry in Australia. In New South Wales (NSW), there are over 1,700 licensed private investigators, but there is no requirement for them to screen clients or investigate whether a domestic violence order is in place. This regulatory gap leaves victims vulnerable, as their abusers can use private investigators to track them down despite legal protections.
Experts argue that the private investigation industry needs stronger regulations. For example, some professionals in the field suggest that all investigators should have access to databases that allow them to check for restraining orders before accepting a client. Danny Mikati, a former NSW police officer and private investigator, has said that while his firm checks for apprehended violence orders (AVOs), this information should be accessible to all licensed investigators.
Private Investigators and the Wider Domestic Violence Problem
Domestic violence experts warn that private investigators are not the only tool abusers use to maintain control. Increasingly, abusers are turning to technology-facilitated methods such as phone tracking, spyware, and online surveillance. This allows abusers to monitor their victims in real-time, often without their knowledge. Bridget Harris from the Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre notes that many perpetrators of family violence use these techniques because they are cheaper and easier to access than hiring a private investigator.
While some investigators offer services to help survivors assess their safety and escape abusive situations, others are more concerned with profit than ethics. This leads to a dangerous environment where abusers can access surveillance tools and private investigation services with minimal oversight, putting their victims at risk.
The Need for Change
The tragic deaths of Jack and Jennifer Edwards at the hands of their father shows how dangerous it is to leave the private investigation industry unchecked. As private investigators are increasingly being used as tools of coercive control and emotional abuse, it is essential that governments introduce regulations to prevent abusers from exploiting these services. Without proper oversight, private investigators can become unwitting participants in domestic violence cases, further endangering victims.
Featured image: Private investigators and domestic abuse. Source: Василь Івасюк / Adobe Stock.
