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Victoria makes progress with specialist family violence courts
Despite the difficulties of implementing new changes into Australian courts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Victoria has progressed with its plans to deliver a client-focused legal service and assistance in specialist family violence courts.
Naomi Neilson
The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic increased the need for people to have high-quality access to legal advice and assistance in family and domestic violence matters. Under the new Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) scheme, Victorian courts have made further progress in designing and delivering legal assistance in specialist DV courts.
The associate director of Family Violence Response Leanne Sinclair explained: “We are developing ways for clients and people with the experience of the family violence legal system to have direct input and engagement as we implement these initiatives.”
FCLC director of policing and engagement Shorna Moore said that the federation was pleased to partner with VLA to better address the needs of victims.
“We know an integrated approach works best for delivering a more therapeutic [and specialised] response to supporting victim-survivors through the family violence system,” Ms Moore said.
“Community legal centres work with a range of local community-based organisations and partners to identify and address family violence. We look forward to working with VLA to further enhance family violence initiatives across the state.”
VLA added that since the restrictions were enforced, it has been working with Children’s Court’s, the Magistrates’ Court, community legal centres and Victoria Police to ensure communities across Victoria can still access legal assistance.
“Together, we have put in place new and innovative ways to increase the early access and referrals to family violence legal assistance throughout Victoria, to help keep these people safe during the pandemic,” said Ms Sinclair.
Naomi Neilson
Naomi Neilson is a senior journalist with a focus on court reporting for Lawyers Weekly.
You can email Naomi at:
