Released 25/11/2017 - Joint media release
From Saturday (25 November) Domestic Violence Orders will now be recognised and enforced across Australia, marking an important milestone toward the elimination of family and domestic violence.
“The rollout coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence,” said Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette Berry.
Attorney-General, Gordon Ramsay, said our participation in the scheme is part of the government’s commitment to family safety under the ACT Government’s Response to Family Violence.
The legislation to support these changes is contained in the Family Violence Act (2016).
“The ability to recognise and enforce domestic and family violence orders (DVOs) anywhere in Australia means greater protection for survivors regardless of jurisdictional boundaries,” Minister Ramsay said.
“Previously, family and domestic violence orders made interstate could only be enforced in the state or territory in which they were issued – unless they were re-registered in the ACT.
The National DVO Scheme is a great example of jurisdictions working collaboratively to strengthen our response to domestic and family violence,” Minister Ramsay said.
“This scheme sends a strong message to everyone that family and domestic violence will not be tolerated and those who breach DVOs will be held to account by our justice system – right across the country,” Minister Berry said.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mick Gentleman, welcomed the new scheme.
“The message is clear, domestic violence is not acceptable. The participation of the ACT in this scheme will help the government in our cause of eliminating domestic violence in Canberra.
“Changes like this ensure our police are supported in their efforts in relation to domestic and family violence in our community, making it safer for everyone,” Minister Gentleman said.
Proactively responding to family violence remains a top priority for the ACT Government.
People with existing DVOs should note the new laws only apply from this date forward.
People with DVOs issued before this date can apply to the ACT Magistrates Court or any local court to have their DVO recognised nationally, irrespective of the jurisdiction where the DVO was first issued.
More information on the National Scheme is available here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, including sexual assault, there are a number of programs and organisations in the ACT that can support you:
- the Domestic Violence Crisis Service, which aims to promote the safety of people subjected to domestic violence, provide crisis intervention and address the problem of violence and abuse in relationships - (02) 6280 0900 – www.dvcs.org.au/;
- Legal Aid (ACT Domestic Violence and Protection Order Unit), which provides advice on the process for applying for an order, assistance with submitting an application and representation in court - (02) 6243 3411 – www.legalaidact.org.au;
- Canberra Rape Crisis Centre, which provides a crisis counselling line, Indigenous community support, counselling to victims and their families, and community education programs - (02) 6247 2525 – http://crcc.org.au/;
- Beryl Women Inc, which provides supported crisis accommodation to women with dependent children who are escaping domestic and family violence - (02) 6230 6900 - http://www.beryl.org.au/;
- EveryMan Australia, which provides counselling, crisis support, outreach services, information and referral to men with complex needs, including family violence - (02) 6230 6999 - http://www.everyman.org.au/; and
- Victim Support ACT, which provides counselling, court support and advocacy services to victims of crime, including family violence - 1800 822 72 – http://www.victimsupport.act.gov.au/;
- Toora Women inc, which provides domestic violence accommodation and outreach support, counseling for victims of violence and support for women with drug and alcohol issues – 6247 2399 – www.toora.org.au.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
Media Contacts
| Name | Phone | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
Elliot Woods |
(02) 6205 8144 |
0499 993 930 |
|