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Family violence laws fail gay and lesbian victims
1 March 2006
Victoria needs new legislation and a new approach to better protect victims of family violence, including those in gay and lesbian relationships, the state’s Law Reform Commission said today.
“We have released a report today that makes 153 recommendations to better protect victims of family violence by introducing a new Act, improving police and court processes, and updating education and training,” Law Reform Commissioner Judith Peirce said.
“People in same-sex relationships face particular barriers to using the intervention order system.
“Past homophobia from police and the courts may mean gay and lesbian people are reluctant to ask for help if they are the victims of family violence.
“Victoria Police has made an effort to rid itself of this image but the commission is still recommending that police receive training about the barriers gay and lesbian people face when reporting family violence.
“Threatening to ‘out’ someone, deriding their sexuality, or forcing them into particular sexual acts all come under the banner of family violence when part of a systematic attempt to control their partner.
“It is essential that our justice system shows respect for all the people who come in contact with it and can give equal protection to all Victorians.
“We also need an attitude change from the general community, which is why we’ve recommended the government run a widespread public education campaign to ensure violence is not tolerated within families and people are supported to stop violence happening.