When we look at the statistics for domestic violence we no doubt get the urge to yell “Enough Already!”
One in three women dies every week from domestic violence and thankfully the laws are changing to recognise this. Whilst those affected by domestic violence have been able to seek Protection Orders in the past, on 28 February 2015, the Queensland Parliament introduced a set of rules known as the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Rules which is making the process of obtaining those orders much easier to understand and hopefully more effective.
The key features of this legislation are the reduction of burdensome procedural requirements; the use of language that is easy to understand (less lawyer-talk); the rules now encourage consistency as well as requiring matters to be dealt with in a timely matter, which means less delays. But although we see these changes in legislation those affected by domestic violence are not always willing or able to use it. This can be for a number of reasons, including fear, stigma, unsure if what’s happening is truly domestic violence or not having the financial or emotional ability to do so.
Thankfully, research into domestic violence is helping remove old stigmas about domestic violence. It is now clearly understood that domestic violence can occur in any family, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background, religious beliefs, sexual preference, age, gender or socioeconomic status. And although statistically, males are more often the offender we now understand that men can also be the victims of domestic violence. But what is domestic violence?
Domestic violence includes:
* Physical or sexual abuse
* Emotional or psychological abuse
* Economic abuse (ie. Using money to control)
* Threatening behaviour * Coercive behaviour; or
* Behaviour that in any way controls or dominates or causes a person to fear for their personal safety or well-being.
The Domestic Violence must be done by one person towards another person with whom the person is in a domestic relationship. This includes, husband/wife, defacto partners, boyfriend/girlfriend, relatives or a dependent.
If you or someone you know is being affected by domestic violence you can take action and stop it now. For support you can contact the Queensland Domestic Violence hotline on 1800 811 811 or visit their website at http://www.dvconnect.org/ If you believe you are in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.
Smithson Lawyers Gold Coast can help you to obtain a Protection Order. Contact us today to discuss your options. We understand that these matters are difficult and we will support you and give you all the help you need. At Smithson Lawyers Gold Coast we want to give victims of domestic violence a voice. Speak out now!