Family Violence
The breakdown of a relationship can be exacerbated if you and your children are also suffering from domestic violence at the hands of your partner or previous partner.
There is no set definition of behaviour that constitutes domestic violence, but if you have concerns for yourself, or somebody you care about, we urge you to contact us to discuss your options.
In these often difficult circumstances, you may seek the assistance of police who can, in some circumstances, apply for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) on your behalf.
You may also be able to apply for an ADVO yourself by seeking the assistance of a solicitor or a chamber magistrate at a local court.
An ADVO restrains the abusive person from being in the vicinity of the victim or harming the victim.
However, you may seek orders from the family court simultaneously to seeking orders in relation to the care of children of the relationship, which will restrain the other party from coming within a certain distance of your home or workplace, or restraining other behaviour on their part.
If you are the victim of Domestic Violence immediate support and help is at hand by calling any of the following numbers:
- Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 656 463
- DOCS Domestic Violence Helpline 132111