Western Australia Ombudsman probes police handling of Virginia Giuffre case

The Western Australia Ombudsman has opened an investigation into the actions of WA Police in the weeks leading up to Virginia Giuffre’s death by suicide in April 2025. Giuffre’s brothers and their wives wrote to the Ombudsman requesting a formal review, raising concerns that police did not act with sufficient urgency after her reports of domestic violence and safety fears.

The family asked why Giuffre’s husband, Robert Giuffre, was not charged with assault after an alleged January 9 incident and whether police properly investigated her complaint, conducted risk assessments, and addressed firearms concerns. WA Police had previously launched an internal review of its dealings with Giuffre. The investigation will also examine systemic failures that may have contributed to the outcome. The family and domestic‑violence experts have asked WA Coroner Ros Foglianis to hold a public inquest, but the coroner is awaiting the police report before deciding.

Key points include a 72‑hour police order served on Robert Giuffre, a subsequent family‑violence restraining order issued by the Perth Magistrates Court, and the family’s claim that sustained abuse, loss of access to her children, and systemic response failures contributed to Giuffre’s suicide.