“I didn’t mean it!”, “You made me do it!”. “I can’t help it!”, “I was drunk”!
There is no excuse for family violence. Disturbing and saddening new statistics revealed that during the year ending June 30, 2021, 174,000 incidents were reported, that’s a rise of 18% in a year! And what about the cases that weren’t reported?
Even the number of incidents where a child was present and witnessed family violence rose by 35% during the first year of the pandemic. Action is needed to reduce the devastating harm caused to children who experience family violence. Key leaders in Victoria are desperate to make acts of family violence in front of a child punishable by law. If successful, it is hoped the rest of the states will follow suit.
When you are a victim of domestic violence and struggling financially, it can be difficult to acquire the legal assistance you need, particularly if you’re not eligible for government funding. One Queensland lawyer has a desire to change this.
Founder of New Way Lawyers, Carolyn Devries, launched Australia’s very first non-profit family law firm in Queensland more than a decade ago. And now, Victorians will have access to New Way Lawyers domestic and family law services. This is great news as Victorian police attend a family violence incident every 6 minutes.
Whether it’s physical violence or coercive control (emotional abuse), no one has the right to make you or your children feel unsafe. If your situation is an emergency, or you or someone you know of is in danger, call ‘000’ and report it to the police. If you’re not in immediate danger but want temporary accommodation or emergency funding, there are a number of helpful organisations who can provide you with assistance.
Where to go for legal advice
Log on to Facebook and search Lunch with a Lawyer. This is a free Facebook group where you can ask any domestic violence and family law questions and the legal team from New Way Lawyers will respond. It’s okay if you don’t have the time to sit and wait for an answer, you can come back at any time to seek the response. There’s absolutely no charge for this service.
Where to go for emotional support and practical advice
1800RESPECT is a counselling service providing you with emotional support and their trained team of counsellors can help you with putting a safety plan in place, knowing what to pack in an emergency bag, where to find financial assistance or temporary accommodation.
Where to go for financial assistance
Don’t let your financial state be the reason you remain in a dangerous situation. There is financial aid available for people seeking assistance to escape a domestic violence situation. The Department of Social Services may be able to assist you with rent or accommodation, paying for utilities, contributions in the way of food parcels or food vouchers, clothing and assistance with clothes, medication and budgeting.
However, if you have joint debts and want to sort out your finances with the help of a mediator, you can contact the National Debt Helpline. —1800 007 007, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. If you don’t have Australian residency, organisations such as the Red Cross may be able to help you with financial assistance.
If you are struggling and need support urgently please call 000 or contact Lifeline 13 11 14.