The Law Handbook 2024

Chapter 4.4: Family violence 305 available to all women in need (e.g. regardless of their financial situation, or whether they are married or have children). Refuges and shelters can be contacted through Safe Steps. Also, women can seek priority housing through the DFFH or their local council. If you have experienced family violence and have no independent income, contact Centrelink and ask what benefits are available. For example, there is a crisis payment that is available for people who are experiencing severe financial hardship or extreme circumstances, such as family violence. General advice for family violence survivors Call the police If you need immediate assistance in a family violence situation, call the police on 000 anytime. They will attend and provide advice and assistance. What the police can do 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, newly arrived 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 assault and child sexual abuse. There are many SOCA throughout Victoria. These units may also be able to assist in family violence cases. Non-legal remedies 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. Keep records 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. Contacts National Headspace (for people aged 12–25 years) National Youth Mental Health Foundation Tel: 1800 650 890 (9 am to 1 am daily) Web: www.headspace.org.au Kids Helpline (for people aged 5–25 years) Tel: 1800 551 800 (24/7) Web: www.kidshelpline.com.au MensLine Australia Tel: 1300 789 978 (24/7) Web: www.mensline.org.au Confidential telephone and online counselling for men with family and relationship concerns. National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service Tel: 1800 RESPECT; 1800 737 732 (Australia-wide, 24/7) Web: www.1800respect.org.au Office of the eSafety Commissioner Web: www.esafety.gov.au