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Tackling violent families
In the past few days, the Advertiser has exposed the tragedy of domestic violence that affects Bendigo families and unfortunately this situation is repeated throughout the state.
The Victorian Law Reform Commission is undertaking a statewide consultation into family violence with the aim of strengthening the law to better protect women and children.
“Our laws are failing to protect women and children from family violence,” the commissioner in charge of the Family Violence investigation, Judith Peirce, said.
“Women and children in rural and regional areas face particular issues when seeking protection. The Law Reform Commission needs to hear from Bendigo people affected by the intervention order system because their views will shape our response.
“Our regional meetings have already uncovered many problems with the intervention order system, especially its effectiveness in actually stopping violent behaviour.”
Ms Peirce will be in Bendigo on Wednesday 23 June to meet with groups such as Legal Aid, family violence workers, Indigenous organisations, magistrates’ courts and health centres. People interested in attending the meeting should contact the Commission on the free-call number 1300 666 555 or email: simone.marrocco@lawreform.vic.gov.au.
The commission aims to publish a Consultation Paper next month that will explore the issues involved and make its recommendations to the Attorney-General in a Final Report by July 2005.