More Victorians living with family violence can now access expert and dedicated court services with the state’s newest Specialist Family Violence Court up and running in Moorabbin.
Attorney-General Jill Hennessy joined Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos onsite today to officially open the purpose-built building.
The court has been carefully designed to provide greater security, comfort and choice for people experiencing family violence – offering separate court entrances for victim-survivors, safe waiting spaces and interview rooms, remote witness facilities, child-friendly spaces and culturally safe spaces.
A team of specially trained magistrates, operational staff and family violence practitioners at the upgraded court ensures that the local community can access tailored and effective family violence services.
Specialist magistrates at the court have the power to mandate counselling, such as men’s behaviour change programs, which help to promote women’s and children’s safety by holding men accountable for their use of violence towards family members.
All specialist staff working at the court take part in an ongoing family violence learning and development program to ensure they are well equipped to meet the needs of people living with family violence.
The Moorabbin facility is one of five Specialist Family Violence Courts rolling out across Victoria. Family Violence Courts are already operational at Shepparton and Ballarat, with Heidelberg and Frankston set to be operations next year.
The project delivers on key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and ensures consistency in family violence functions and services across courts.
The Andrews Labor Government has delivered $130 million towards family violence reforms in the courts, including establishing the Specialist Family Violence Court Division – part of more than $2.9 billion invested to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Jill Hennessy
“We’re building dedicated courts across the state to ensure more Victorians affected by family violence can access justice safely and without fear or intimidation.”
“We’re supporting victim-survivors in every way we can as we work to stamp out the scourge of family violence in our community.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bentleigh Nick Staikos
“With dedicated services and specially-trained staff based right here in our community, all of us can be assured that expert help is close at hand for those living with familyviolence.”
Reviewed 02 December 2020