Family and domestic violence is a serious issue which has a profound impact on individuals and families. Our entire team, from our expert lawyers to our receptionist and administrative staff, are trained in and adopt ‘trauma informed practice’ guidelines to help you in your difficult situation. From us you’ll get compassionate, non-judgmental support, whether you are a victim or person accused of family violence.
With our expert legal advice and representation, you’ll be guided through planning a safe exit for you and your children and applying for Protection Orders. Your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities. We will connect you with the right resources and empower you with the knowledge you need to take back control of your life.
If you’ve been accused of perpetrating family violence, we can help you to defend those allegations and applications made against you. We understand that this is a very stressful situation to face. Evidence of family and domestic violence can impact on parenting and custody arrangements, your eligibility to hold security clearances or visas and in some cases, your property settlement. We work with you to understand and minimise the impact this might have on your overall situation.
Understanding family violence
Family violence is not just physical abuse; it encompasses a range of behaviors aimed at controlling or dominating a family member through fear. It includes, but is not limited to:
Family violence (also known as domestic violence) is an umbrella term describing behaviours which are intended to control or coerce a person or cause fear. Not all family violence involves physical violence.
As a community, our understanding of family violence evolves. A significant proportion of families today experience family violence in some form or another. It can be directed to a current or former partner, or another member of the family.
As research consistently shows that family violence can cause poor outcomes for children and adults, our society’s laws about family violence are expanding to attempt to address it. Family violence is behaviour typically falling within the below categories:
- Physical abuse: Direct physical harm or assault. This includes sexual assault and abuse.
- Verbal abuse: Derogatory or insulting name-calling, put-downs or degrading comments, threats intended to cause fear. Verbal can involve screaming and swearing.
- Emotional and psychological abuse: Patterns of behaviour that are deliberately hurtful, frightening or isolating in order to hold power over another person. It can include manipulation, harassment, intimidation, threats, blaming, or humiliation of a person. It can also include being exposed to family violence directed at someone else, such as a parent or sibling.
- Controlling and coercive conduct: An ongoing pattern of behaviour which is deliberate and designed to have control over someone else. It can include physical and sexual abuse or can be entirely non-physical in form. It can include gaslighting and undermining, stone-walling, love-bombing, excessive monitoring and stalking (including cyberstalking), harassment and isolation or restricting your freedom, including over your body and health.
- Economic abuse: Controlling a person’s money and belongings in a way that forces dependency. This might include limiting financial support needed by someone else, or their child.
- Stalking
- Damage to property
- Harm to animals
Family violence behaviour may overlap the above categories. For example, an instance of verbal abuse may also be emotional and psychological abuse depending on what has been said.
The importance of protection orders
Protection orders are sometimes known as Intervention Orders, restraining orders or Family Violence Orders (FVO). These terms describe legal instruments which prohibit certain kinds of behaviour and contact, designed to protect individuals and their children from family violence. Restrictions within a protection order are tailored to address the circumstances of the type and extent of violence. Restrictions may prevent the perpetrator from approaching or contacting the victim, from being at places where the victim is likely to be, from harming the victim or their pets and preventing damage to property.
Planning a safe exit
Leaving an abusive situation or unhealthy relationship requires careful planning to ensure the safety of you and your children. Our team at Parker Coles Curtis can assist in creating a safe exit plan that includes:
- Confidential legal advice: Discussing your situation in a safe and confidential environment to explore your options.
- Emergency Planning: Identifying safe places for you and your children to escape to and planning the best time to leave.
- Important documents: Gathering essential documents or making copies, including identification, court orders, financial documents, and any evidence of abuse.
- Support services: Connecting you with the right support services and organisation for emergency accommodation, financial assistance, and counselling.
How we can assist with protection orders
Our legal team can guide you through the process of applying for a protection order or defending one. We can represent you in Court and advise about the legal implications of the Order. We offer:
- Legal advice: Family violence can impact upon other family law issues that are in play or may be in future. We’ll explain how the connection between different legal issues or legal action affects your situation, so you don’t make any legal missteps.
- Legal representation: Advocating on your behalf in court proceedings related to family violence and protection orders.
- Negotiation: Working to secure agreements that allow you to move forward with peace of mind.
- Wholistic support: Providing access to a network of support services to assist you through this difficult time.
Seek legal advice early
Early legal intervention is crucial in situations of family violence. It ensures that protective measures can be put in place swiftly and effectively, safeguarding you and your children from further or ongoing harm. Our team is here to support you from the moment you decide to seek help, offering confidential advice and robust legal representation.
Contact us
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, or you have been accused of perpetrating family violence get in touch for confidential support and expert legal advice. We are committed to helping you navigate this challenging situation, ensuring a safer future for you and your loved ones.
