Domestic & family violence law concerns?
We hear you
Domestic Violence and Family Violence is about power and control and affects families at home and in the workplace. It is a whole of society problem that crosses all genders, ages, sexual orientations, religion, cultural background and economic status and cannot be ignored.
Our domestic and family violence law services
At Voice Lawyers we take decisive action and provide strategic advice to our clients faced with Domestic and Family Violence matters. We look to provide wholistic solutions and prioritise our clients personal and psychological safety whilst being mindful of their ongoing relationships.
How Voice Lawyers gets you heard
Kayte is on the Legal Aid Domestic Violence panel and has many years’ experience working with domestic and family violence.
Domestic and family violence is wilful and covers a range of behaviours including:
Physical assault
Sexual Assault
Verbal abuse
Coercive control
Intimidation
Stalking
Psychological abuse
Financial Abuse (see FAQs for more information on Financial Abuse)
What is a Domestic Relationship
The Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 says a domestic relationship is where a person is;
in a de facto relationship,
married or has had an intimate personal relationship with another person,
living in the same household or is living/has lived as a long-term resident in the same residential facility and at the same time as the other person,
the relationship involves the other person’s dependence or has a carers relationship,
is or has been a relative of the other person. This includes:
– the parents,
– grandparents
– siblings
– children
– grandchildren
– uncles and aunts
– nephews, nieces, cousins
– in-laws,in the case of an Aboriginal person or a Torres Strait Islander, the definition is extended to family or kin of the other person according to the Indigenous kinship system of the person's culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is an order for the protection of a person(s) where there is a domestic relationship between the Person in Need of Protection and the Defendant.
An Apprehended Personal Violence Order (APVO) is an order for the protection of a person(s) when there isn’t a domestic relationship. An APVO could be taken out against a co-worker or your neighbour if you fear they will be violent towards you, intimidate, harass or stalk you.
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Police AVOs occur when the Police apply for an AVO on behalf of the persons in need of protection. When the Police bring an AVO the defendant is often also charged with a criminal offence.
Private AVO occur when the individual applies for an AVO and are usually not related to a criminal charge.
Voice lawyers can assist if you wish to take out a private ADVO or APVO or if you have a family law situation involving and ADVO.
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Financial Abuse is a form of domestic and family violence and can be difficult to identify. It occurs when a partner uses money as a means to have power over the other within a relationship.
Think you are in a financially abusive relationship?
What our clients say
“Very patient - when you’re in a stressed state, you don’t listen half the time – they’re patient enough to be able to tell me the same thing over and over again so that it actually sunk in.”
Angela, client
What our clients say
“I needed advocacy, I needed somebody who was going to stand up for me and they did.”
Flora, client
What our clients say
“I’d highly recommend Voice, I’d recommend them to anybody.”
Jimmy, client
What our clients say
“Dear Kayte and team, please accept my sincere thank you... The kids and I are doing well... thanks to you all. My mother and I will be forever grateful.”
Kelly (Family Law client)