General advice for family violence survivors
TRIGGER WARNING: Please note this chapter (and pages it links to) contains information about family violence that may be triggering to family violence survivors.
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If you need immediate assistance in a family violence situation, call the police on 000 anytime. They will attend and provide advice and assistance.
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It is important to insist that the police take a formal statement of complaint. If it is an emergency, the police may issue a family violence safety notice that can include an exclusion condition, and they can detain a person to allow you time to apply for an intervention order.
All police stations have access to a family violence adviser, and there is a family violence liaison officer at all 24-hour police stations. There are also numerous family violence units across Victoria. There are also Aboriginal community liaison officers, multi-cultural liaison officers, disability liaison officers, youth liaison officers and LGBTIQA+ liaison officers who may assist with family violence incidents in particular communities.
Police have certain entry and search powers in respect of family violence incidents. Police officers may issue a safety notice or apply for an intervention order. They can charge a family violence perpetrator with criminal charges. If there is an existing safety notice or intervention order, the police can charge the perpetrator with breach of that notice or order.
Victoria Police also has dedicated Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Units (SOCA) to assist with responding to and investigating adult sexual offences (or sex crimes) and child sexual abuse. There are many SOCA throughout Victoria. These units may also be able to assist in family violence cases.
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People who have experienced family violence should consider taking protective measures (e.g. changing locks, changing telephone numbers, screening calls, or moving house). Tell carers, neighbours, schools, workplaces and local police that there may be trouble from your former partner. If appropriate, provide copies of intervention orders to schools and workplaces. It is also important to contact various support services for counselling assistance and referrals to appropriate resources.
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It is important that the person experiencing violence keeps a written and photographic record of all incidents (as this record can form the basis of an application or complaint). This record should include times, places, photographs of injuries, any witnesses, any medical attention received, and any contact with DFFH (where children are involved), the police or other support services.
General advice for family violence survivors
Chapter: 4.4: Family violence
Contributor: Dr Renata Alexander, Barrister
Current as of: 1 September 2024
Law Handbook Page: 266
Next Section: Contacts
