By Surendra Bennett - 22 Aug 2018
There are several specific ways in which the law can help
you protect yourself and your family from domestic violence.
Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, psychological and/or
financial abuse by anyone you are in a "domestic relationship"
with. Domestic relationships include spouses or partners, family
members, may include flatmates/someone you're sharing a household
with or anyone you're in a close personal relationship
with.
One of the most effective tools we can use is a Protection
Order. This can give long-lasting protection for you and others
covered under the order. If you have children, they will be
automatically included under the Protection Order.
A Protection Order prohibits the perpetrator from being violent
towards you and prevents them having any contact with you if you do
not consent. If they do not comply with the order, they risk being
arrested and facing possible criminal charges. Protection Orders
have standard conditions in them forbidding the perpetrator from
being threatening or violent towards you. However, the order can
also include special conditions to deal with particular issues for
example forcing them to remain a certain distance away from you if
you work together.
If you are a victim of ongoing domestic violence we can
make an urgent order on your behalf (if you meet the Court's
criteria for urgency). In these circumstances, a Protection Order
can often be obtained within 24 hours.
Contact Surendra Bennett one of our Family Law
specialists to discuss if you meet the criteria for a Protection
Order.