Interim Domestic Violence Order to better protect victims

Released 12/05/2015

It is anticipated that there will be changes to interim domestic violence order legislation in the Australian Capital Territory.

The ACT government has announced that they intend to introduce amendments to interim domestic violence orders and change the definition of family violence to ensure victims receive greater support.  The changes are part of the ACT government’s major legislative reform program to respond to the outcomes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Domestic Violence Prevention Council and the Law Reform Commissions’ Family Violence Report.

It is anticipated that the reforms will be introduced by Bill later this year.

“The new class of interim domestic violence order will apply when a respondent has current criminal charges, and the applicant for the DVO is the victim of those charges,” Attorney-General Simon Corbell said.  He also said, “Victims will be able to have an interim domestic violence order extended when the subject of the original order is facing criminal charges related to the original order.  Victims will not be required to go to a hearing for the final Domestic Violence Order until criminal charges have been finalised.”

This post was written by 

Claire Naidu & Co, Lawyers and Mediators (Gungahlin Family Lawyers , Canberra Family Lawyers & local and international Mediators).

Published 13 May 2015