How To Handle Domestic Violence During the COVID 19 Lockdown
COVID-19 lockdown has increased the rate of family violence in Australia. It is attributed to the fact that couples have to spend more time indoors; therefore, increasing the probability of conflict. The excerpt below discusses how people in violent relationships can deal with domestic violence during the lockdown.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Most people presume that domestic violence consists of physical abuse and sexual assault. However; it also includes emotional, financial, social (isolation from close friends or family) and spiritual (preventing someone from practising their religion) abuse. Domestic violence escalates when it is not handled at an early stage. For instance, it may begin with emotional abuse and intensify into physical and sexual abuse.
Contact The Police
The Australian Federal Police is fully functional despite the current lockdown. Contact them if you feel threatened by an abusive partner. The police have sufficient protective gear to ensure their health and safety and that of an abusive partner as they make the arrest. They will ensure that bail conditions prevent the perpetrator from committing domestic violence or contacting you.
Legal Help
Various associations provide legal assistance to domestic violence victims in Australia. Some of these organisations offer free services, while others will charge a small fee. Typically, they will evaluate the victim's situation and advice if they meet the minimum requirements to take the perpetrator to court.
There are several legal options for domestic violence victims. Apprehended violence orders (AVO) are orders that prohibit the perpetrator from coming into contact with the victim. They may also restrict an abusive spouse from coming into your family home or possessing weapons. The severity of the violence will determine the extent of the orders. If you are not in a relationship with the perpetrator (say he or she is an ex or former spouse), you will need a personal violence order (PVO). A property recovery order (PRO) that allows you to collect personal property that is in the perpetrator's possession. It happens if you were living with the accused, and you wish to move out.
The organisations understand that victims may be unable to access their services due to the lockdown. As such, they provide online consultation to their clients. Further, they will organise an online session with the Australian Family Court to ensure you secure the required orders.
If you think you at risk of domestic violence, you should have police and close family contacts. Further, you may want to avoid situations that may result in domestic violence. For example, you may want to avoid drinking if you fight when drunk.
For more information, reach out to a family law attorney.
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