Family violence is behaviour that is violent, threatening, controlling, coercive or instilling fear from a member of the person’s family.
Family violence has become increasingly recognised under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Family Law Act contains specific provisions which define:
- What family violence is
- What constitutes exposing a child to family violence
- What constitutes abuse in relation to a child
The Family Law system has several ways to deal with family violence, and minimise the risks to parties, from the imposition of injunctions to protect parties and children, to processes for protecting parties at Court Appearances, such as safe rooms. There are also specialist divisions of the Court, such as the Evatt List, which expedite parenting matters where there are concerns and risks of family violence.
One of the primary considerations when determining parenting arrangements for children under the Family Law Act is the need to protect the child from harm. Family violence also must be considered by the Court when determining what is in the best interests of the children when making parenting Orders.
At Family Focus Legal, we are experienced in family law matters and understand the process of advocating for clients who have been victims of family violence. To seek further specialised advice about your circumstances please call our office on 02 4655 4224 or email at info@familyfocuslegal.com.au to schedule an appointment. Our team of experienced Camden solicitors are here to help you.
