Despite being only a few weeks into 2016, the social issue of domestic violence is again a hot topic of discussion in the Australian media, with reports that over 2,000 calls were made to the DVConnect hotline from female victims over the Christmas period alone. The staggering number of reported incidents lends support to the statistics presented in the 2015 report prepared by Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety (ANROWS), which states that 1 in 6 Australian women have experienced domestic violence by a partner with whom they were living.
It is fair to say that such statistics are appalling!
In response to what appears to be a rising epidemic within households, the Queensland State Government is responding to this issue by proposing to increase the maximum penalties for breaches of established Protection Orders while similarly reviewing the present legislation to ensure adequate protection of those who are considered to be most vulnerable. While statistics show that women do tend to be the primary victims of domestic violence, we must remember that children, men and the elderly can also be affected.
What is Domestic Violence?
In Queensland, domestic violence is defined within the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) as behavior by one person towards another that falls into one or more of these categories:
- Physically or sexually abusive;
- Emotionally or psychologically abusive;
- Economically abusive;
- Threatening;
- Coercive; or
- In any other way controls or dominates the second person, making that person fear for their safety or wellbeing.
The aspect of this definition that refers to ‘by one person towards another’ relates to parties that are in an intimate relationship, family relationship or informal care arrangement.
Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence or those who believe that there is an imminent risk of such violence are able to ask the Court to grant a Protection Order for their safety. Should the Protection Order be granted, it will restrict and govern the way in which the alleged aggressor is able to behave towards the victim.
Useful Contacts for Victims
Below is a list of useful contact number that we hope will be helpful to you should you be experiencing or know of anyone experiencing domestic violence.
- For Emergencies – 000
- DVConnect (Womensline)– 1800 811 811
- DVConnect (Mensline) – 1800 600 636
- Elder Abuse Hotline – 1300 651 192
- Kids Help Line – 1800 551 800
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
If however you require legal advice in this area, including the preparation of an Application for a Protection Orders or representation at Court, please contact our office via the various options on our Contact Us page.
*The contents of this article do not replace independent legal advice, and may not be relevant in all Australian jurisdictions.