Family Violence Lawyers Melbourne

In Victoria, you can obtain various types of intervention orders to protect yourself from domestic violence. These include:

1. Family Violence Intervention Orders: Designed to protect you from domestic violence within a family relationship or intimate personal relationship.
2. Personal Safety Intervention Orders: Applicable for protection outside family relationships, such as stalking or harassment.
3. Temporary Protection Orders: Issued urgently to provide immediate protection while awaiting a final order.

Yes, children can be covered by domestic violence protection orders, as can other loved ones. Child protection provisions can be included in these orders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children affected by domestic violence. This can involve restrictions on contact or provisions for safe parenting arrangements.

If you are experiencing domestic violence from your child’s other parent and wish for them to maintain a relationship with the child, you can:

1. Your first step is to apply for a domestic violence protection order that includes specific provisions for child protection and safe parenting arrangements.
2. Seek a Protection Order Application to outline safe conditions for contact.
3. Use a family lawyer or dispute resolution services to negotiate safe and workable solutions while prioritising your safety and the child’s welfare.
4. Request parenting court orders that outline the terms of visitation for your former partner, which will probably be supervised visits. Let the court know that there is an FVIO in place and that, as an applicant for the order, you are a victim of domestic violence.
5. Ensure your children’s school and other parties know the circumstances and provide copies of any orders.
6. If you have any concerns about your ex-partner trying to relocate with your child, consider placing them on a flight watchlist.

A police protection notice in Victoria is a temporary measure issued by Victoria Police to ensure immediate safety for individuals facing domestic violence. It can include conditions like prohibiting contact or requiring the respondent to leave the home.

This notice is short-term, lasting until a court can issue a more permanent domestic violence protection order. Breaching the notice can lead to serious legal consequences.

To apply for an intervention order, follow these steps:

1. File a domestic violence application at the local Magistrates Court or online through the court’s website.
2. Provide evidence of the abusive behaviour and your need for protection.
3. Attend a court hearing where a magistrate decides whether to grant a temporary or final domestic violence protection order.

Many behaviours are considered family or domestic violence, including:

• Physical abuse (e.g., hitting, slapping)
• Emotional abuse (e.g., verbal insults, threats)
• Psychological abuse (e.g., manipulation, intimidation)
• Financial abuse (e.g., controlling access to money)
• Sexual abuse (e.g., coercion, assault)
• Social isolation (e.g., restricting contact with others)
• Stalking (e.g., unwanted surveillance, following)
• Harassment (e.g., repeated, unwanted contact)
• Threats of violence (e.g., threats of harm or death)
• Property damage, or threats to do so
• Intimidation (e.g., threatening gestures, actions)
• Coercive control (e.g., manipulating behaviour)
• Destruction of property (e.g., damaging belongings)
• Using children (e.g., threats related to children)
• Economic abuse (e.g., withholding financial resources)
• Verbal abuse (e.g., name-calling, belittling)
• Gaslighting (e.g., making someone doubt their reality or mental health)
• Digital abuse (e.g., monitoring online activity, cyberbullying)
• Threats of self-harm (e.g., threatening suicide to manipulate)
• Intimate partner violence (e.g., abuse within a relationship)
• Neglect (e.g., failing to provide necessary care)

These forms can overlap and often coexist, contributing to a broader pattern of domestic violence. If you or a loved one are experiencing violence of this type, you can speak to our team, the police or local domestic violence support organisations for immediate assistance.

To respond to an intervention order:

1. Review the order carefully to understand the restrictions or requirements imposed.
2. Attend the court hearing on the specified date to present your side of the case.
3. Seek legal advice from an experienced domestic violence lawyer to ensure you understand your rights and obligations under the order.

A breach of an intervention order occurs when the respondent violates any conditions set by the order. This can include:

1. Contacting or approaching the protected person against the terms of the order.
2. Engaging in further abusive behaviour or economic abuse.
3. Failing to comply with specific provisions, such as not attending certain locations or adhering to visitation restrictions.

Breaches can lead to serious consequences, including further domestic violence proceedings, criminal charges and additional court proceedings.

Navigating the complexities of family violence and securing a family violence intervention order can be overwhelming. At our family law firm, we understand the gravity of these situations and are committed to providing comprehensive legal services.

By choosing to work with our domestic violence lawyers, Melbourne families can access crucial support services, guidance, and representation throughout the entire process, from attending court hearings at the magistrates court to ensuring your personal safety. We help you understand your rights as an affected family member and work to address domestic violence matters effectively.

Hiring expert family/domestic violence lawyers is essential in addressing family violence offences and securing justice for affected family members.

With a comprehensive understanding of criminal law and domestic violence laws, our legal team advocates for your rights and safety. From attending court hearings to negotiating plea bargains or community corrections orders, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Our commitment to your wellbeing extends beyond the courtroom, ensuring you receive the support services and resources needed to move forward.

If you’ve been a victim of family violence, it’s crucial to seek immediate assistance and ensure your personal safety. Contacting law enforcement and seeking advice from expert lawyers can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights as an affected family member.

Our family law firm specialises in addressing family violence cases, providing compassionate support and legal help to victims. We recognise the serious consequences of verbal abuse and financial abuse and work tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

A family violence intervention order, also known as a domestic violence order, is a legal document issued by the magistrates court to protect individuals from domestic or family violence. It prohibits the respondent from committing domestic violence or approaching the affected family member.

Breaching an intervention order is a criminal offence that can result in serious consequences, including a criminal record or prison sentence. Our expert lawyers can help you comply with intervention orders and navigate the court process effectively.

No. You don’t necessarily need a family violence lawyer to apply for an intervention order, but having one can be incredibly beneficial. A lawyer can provide you with expert guidance and support throughout the process, ensuring your application is completed correctly and effectively. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal system, and represent your interests, which can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, seeking legal assistance can offer valuable peace of mind and support.

An interim agreement, known as an Interim Consent Order, is a temporary arrangement made between parties amidst divorce or separation proceedings, which can be helpful if you and/or your children are victims of domestic violence.

It offers provisional solutions for parenting or financial concerns until a final resolution is reached. These agreements are crucial for urgent relief, such as temporary living arrangements for children or interim financial support. While not permanent, interim Consent Orders hold legal weight and are enforceable until replaced by final consent orders or a court judgment. Seeking guidance from an experienced family lawyer proficient in interim Consent Orders is essential to protect your rights and interests during this transitional phase.

The Family Violence Protection Act is legislation enacted to address and prevent family violence in Australia. It recognises the rights of affected family members and provides legal mechanisms, such as intervention orders, to protect their safety. Under the Family Violence Protection Act, the magistrates court has jurisdiction over family violence cases and can issue orders to prevent further harm. Our expert lawyers have a comprehensive understanding of this legislation and work to ensure that your rights are upheld throughout the legal process.

Domestic violence cases are typically heard in the Magistrates Court, where intervention orders are issued to protect victims. Our family law firm specialises in representing clients in the magistrates court, advocating for their rights as affected family members. From attending court hearings to negotiating plea bargains or personal safety orders, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. We recognise the serious consequences of domestic violence and work tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The cost of domestic violence in Australia is significant, encompassing both tangible and intangible expenses. We are aware that family violence affects people of all genders, but as a starting point, The Department of Social Services report, titled the ‘Economic cost of violence against women and their children‘ noted that:

“Without appropriate action to address violence against women and their children, an estimated three-quarters of a million Australian women will experience and report violence in the period of 2021-22, costing the Australian economy an estimated $15.6 billion.”

Beyond financial burdens, such as healthcare costs and legal fees, domestic violence takes a profound toll on individuals, families, and communities. From physical violence, sexual violence, and emotional abuse to psychological abuse, the impact of domestic violence is far-reaching and multifaceted. Our Melbourne family violence lawyers are dedicated to addressing family violence cases and providing support to victims, ensuring that their rights are protected and their voices are heard.