Review of Family Violence Laws in Victoria

The Victorian Law Reform Commission has recommended a major overhaul of the Victorian Crimes (Family Violence) Act 1987. DVIRC welcomes the proposals, which, if implemented, could change the culture of the justice system, providing greater protection for victims including those who have experienced non-physical forms of abuse. The changes would also make the legal process more accessible for people with disabilities and Indigenous communities. The recommendations include that victims be able to remain in the family home; court staff and police be trained in responding to family violence; and that a specialist a police family violence prosecutions unit be set up. For the full report and summary see the Victorian Law Reform Commission website.

Members of the Federation of Community Legal Centres and Domestic Violence Victoria are inviting organisations and service users to attend a forum in the city on Thurs 13 April to work towards the development of a joint campaign in response to the recommendations. Download the flier to find out more.

Preparing for Mediation: Tips from women who have experienced domestic violence

Due to DVIRC's concerns about mediation where there is domestic violence, we have produced a tip-sheet for women about mediation. This is based on our interviews with women who have used mediation services to attempt to resolve disputes with abusive ex-partners. It looks at how domestic violence can affect mediation; what to look for in a mediation service; and ideas on how to prepare for a mediation session. See the tips on our website.

Upcoming DVIRC Training Courses

Children and Domestic Violence
This two-day accredited training will enable workers to become competent in supporting children affected by domestic violence. Pre-requisite: completion of our training course Introduction to Domestic Violence (below), or equivalent experience. This course is on 26 and 27 April in Melbourne - see our training calender for details.

He Loves Me Not - essential reading for professionals

This book tells the true story of 'Emily', whose partner subjected her and her children to years of violence and abuse. The second section considers the implications of her story for service providers. It provides in-depth information about the dynamics of family violence; why it is that women may stay in abusive relationships; how children are affected by witnessing domestic violence; the Child Protection system; mandatory reporting of child abuse; and legal responses. It also illustrates the difficulties women encounter when trying to protect a child from sexual abuse. This educational resource is essential reading for professionals who come into contact with victims of violence. Available for $29 from DVIRC - see He Loves Me Not for further info.

Introduction to Domestic Violence
This nationally accredited 4-day training is for workers who are new to the field and for those in the community sector whose work brings them into contact with domestic violence. This training begins on 7 June in Swan Hill - see our training calender for more details.

Through Young Black Eyes Handbook (2005 update)

Tthe Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care has produced a 2005 update of its comprehensive handbook on responding to domestic violence. The handbook focuses on the impact of violence and abuse on children. See SNAICC website

VicHealth Review of Public Education Campaigns on Violence Against Women

The review looks at Australian and overseas public education campaigns aimed at influencing community attitudes towards violence against women (including the Federal Government's Australia Says No campaign, which is continuing to run in 2006). The VicHealth report aims to inform and stimulate thinking to ensure that future activity can build on the lessons learned from past work. The report is available on VicHealth website for download.
VicHealth has also developed a Public Health Model for the prevention of violence against women (VicHealth 2005) which classifies interventions as primary, early intervention and intervention. See Public Health Model (pdf)

Senate Passes Family Law Reforms

The Federal Government's reforms to family law were passed by the Senate on 31 March, and the majority of the changes will take effect from 1 July this year. DVIRC remains deeply concerned about the impact of the proposed changes on victims of violence, in particular the presumption of shared parenting responsibility; compulsory mediation for separating couples; and a new onus on women to effectively prove allegations of domestic violence and penalties imposed for 'false allegations'. Read DVIRC's submission to the Senate inquiry (Feb 2006); and the media release from the Attorney-General.

In February the Federal Government released its Family Law Violence Strategy which aims to identify ways to improve the functioning of the family law system in family violence cases. One of the recommendations is that further research is needed on 'allegations' of family violence and child abuse. This research will be undertaken by the Australian Institute of Family Studies. Read the strategy.

Send us your feedback on The Vine! Let us know if we are meeting your information needs.

The Vine is circulated free of charge and provides news about new publications, events, and initiatives. If you didn't receive this publication directly and would like to become a subscriber, or if you would like us to send The Vine to a more suitable address, please email us.
To unsubscribe, click here.

The Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre is funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services and works to end all forms of family and relationship violence through education, training, publications, research and advocacy.

Copyright (c) DVIRC 2006
292 Wellington Street, Collingwood 3066, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
www.dvirc.org.au | Tel: 03 9486 9866 | Fax: 03 9486 9744