Domestic/Family Violence
As per the Family Violence Protection Act 2008, Family Violence is:
behaviour by a person towards a family member of that person if that behaviour—
(i) is physically or sexually abusive; or
(ii) is emotionally or psychologically abusive; or
(iii) is economically abusive; or
(iv) is threatening; or
(v) is coercive; or
(vi) in any other way controls or dominates the family
member and causes that family member to feel fear for
the safety or well-being of that family member or another
person; or
(b) behaviour by a person that causes a child to hear or witness, or otherwise be exposed to the effects of, behaviour referred to in paragraph (a).
Women's are more vulnerable to be victims of domestic violence mostly due to stereotypical perception about the roles for different gender that exist in some cultures. Although domestic violence against men is not uncommon in Australia and it can be equally destructive to a persons psyche.
Victims experiencing domestic violence have several options to protect themselves from the abuser. One of the option can be to obtain an Intervention Order, this can be obtained either through the local police, lawyer or through court.
An intervention order once in place it can protect the victim or a third party against harm/abuse and if the abuser has breached the order there are serious consequences and penalties including fine, jail term, conviction or a combination from the three.
Victims of domestic violence on certain visa also have special provision from the Department of Home Affairs (Australia). Furthermore there are several pro-bono institutes that offer crisis accommodation, confidential support and counselling services.
If you are aware of anyone who is victim of such abuse then speak up.
Examples of Domestic Violence:
Throwing objects or breaking items in the house
Threatening to commit suicide to achieve something
Excessive controlling, handling all your finances and controlling your movement and day to day activity
Damaging or threats to damage a property or a person
Threatening to withdraw your spouse visa and abuse you physically or mentally
Staking you, humiliating you in public and psychological tactics to control your day to day life
ZMK Lawyers,
Lvl 13, 227 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000
Phone: 0449 860 517
Email: zubin.viclaw@gmail.com
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ZMK Lawyers legal blog, “tweets” and monthly legal articles is not legal advice. You should not act upon this information without seeking advice from a lawyer/solicitor.