How our Family Law team can help
Dealing with a domestic violence situation is one of the most harrowing experiences you may ever have to go through. Enduring abuse – physical or otherwise – from a spouse, parent or another close relative is disruptive to the family dynamic, can be painful, and is frankly terrifying.
It’s a situation you wouldn’t wish on anyone – yet unfortunately, the reality is it often does occur. According to the Domestic Violence Resource Centre of Victoria, one out of every three women worldwide has experienced violence from a partner, and one woman is killed in Australia per week by a family member. These distressing statistics highlight the need to both address turbulent domestic situations, and prevent future cases.
Get free, practical separation advice today
At McCarthy Durie Lawyers, we will do what we can to assist you in domestic violence situations. This struggle begins with ensuring a full awareness of the problem, and developing clear strategies for making a difference.
Understanding the full scope of domestic violence
If you need assistance with a domestic violence situation, the MDL Family Law team are available to help. The first step toward addressing this issue is getting a better understanding of what constitutes “violence”. According to a report from The National Council to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children, the term is open to a wide variety of interpretations.
The Council’s report highlighted that, while physical attacks and personal injuries are most commonly associated with allegations of domestic violence, the actual definition is broader than that. Intentional damage to a person’s property also fits, as well as any threat of injury or damages.
Some Australian states have broad and sweeping laws designed to protect children. Several states have ruled that even having a child in the room to witness an incident of domestic violence qualifies as an assault on that child. If you have young sons or daughters involved in a domestic situation, it’s essential to handle it with the utmost care.
Hope for preventing future cases of domestic violence
While there is no perfect way to prevent 100 percent of domestic violence cases, it is certainly possible to limit future incidents by handling turbulent domestic situations with care.
One oft-repeated piece of advice is that it’s better to defuse a situation than to stoke the fire. If a spouse or parent has become abusive towards you, the best course of action is to get away from them immediately and find a safe place. Fortunately, there are many shelters and other supportive places where one can go to get away from a threatening situation.
It’s also important to have allies you can trust to get you through a tough time. Close friends, family members and other support figures can help by offering a safe space, giving advice, and assisting with serious matters like getting legal help and possibly pressing criminal charges.
We’re here to help with your domestic violence situation
If you’ve been involved in an instance of domestic violence, it’s understandable if you feel you need some help getting through the ordeal. The best course of action may involve meeting with a family lawyer in Brisbane who has weighed in on domestic cases before and can offer you insights into your situation.
Everyone has the right to live in a safe environment without fearing violence of any kind, physical or otherwise. If you fear that your living arrangement is no longer secure, now is the time to do something about it.
Reach out for legal advice on getting a domestic violence order and ensuring a safer future for yourself and your family. We are available today for a confidential conversation that can help you map out a plan.
For experienced advice and assistance with separation, speak to the Family Law team at McCarthy Durie Lawyers here or talk to us on 3370 5100.
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