COVID-19 pandemic and Domestic Violence – Staying Ahead of the Curve

The current restrictions and rules regarding isolation and limiting public movements except for essential travel have forced many Australians to navigate previously unchartered territory.  With the Federal Government’s directive to work from home where possible, for many Australians there is now no real separation between work and home life.  Coupled with anxiety about COVID-19 and job-losses, financial strain and social isolation, many Australians are living in a pressure-cooker environment.  This in turn increases the risk of becoming a victim of or being exposed to family and domestic violence. 

Several media outlets have reported a surge in reports of domestic violence and there have been calls for the Federal Government to increase funding in this area[1].  It is particularly concerning that people who were already vulnerable are even more so in the current climate.  Domestic and family violence does not discriminate against age, gender or social status. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, we can assist with making an Application for a Protection Order in the Magistrates Court of Queensland.  The standard conditions for an Order are that the Respondent must be of good behaviour and not commit domestic violence against the Aggrieved or any other person named on the Order.  The Court may also impose further conditions, including but not limited to:-

• Not staying at a home that the parties’ previously shared (known as an ouster condition), even if the property is owned or rented by the Respondent.
• Approaching the Aggrieved at home or at work.
• Contacting or asking other people to contact the Aggrieved.
• Approaching a child’s school or day-care.

If you would like assistance with your options to protect yourself or your family members from domestic violence, contact one of our solicitors today for a confidential discussion.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you should contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support; or DV Connect Womensline on 1800 811 811 and DV Connect Mensline on 1800 600 636.

The following resources may also assist and we encourage you to view same (in private browser mode):-

• Queensland Government – Domestic and Family Violence https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/domestic-family-violence

• Queensland Courts – Domestic and Family Violence https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/going-to-court/domestic-violence

• DV Connect
  http://www.dvconnect.org/

• Lifeline
  https://www.lifeline.org.au/

• ESafety Commissioner – COVID-19: Protecting children from online abuse
  https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/blog/covid-19-protecting-children-online-abuse

[1] See for example, Women’s Safety NSW, media release on 31 March 2020, available at https://www.womenssafetynsw.org.au/impact/article/frontline-domestic-violence-services-need-support-now/