Family violence is an epidemic and a national crisis that affects many within our communities. There exists an urgent need for services to assist those experiencing family violence and interventions for those perpetrating family violence.
Our Geelong Family Law Practice provides a Duty Lawyer Service at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court each Wednesday, offering legal advice and court representation to people involved in Family Violence Intervention Order matters at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court. The Geelong Magistrates’ Court is a Specialist Family Violence Court that was recently renovated to provide a safe, purpose-built environment for people coming to Court to deal with family violence. All Magistrates’, registry staff and practitioners are specially trained in family violence matters, providing both legal and non-legal support, including risk assessments, safety planning and referrals to community services and counselling.
Deakin has been providing a Duty Lawyer Service since March 2023 and is now a well-established and well-regarded part of the of Duty Lawyer Services provided at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court. Through involvement in the Service, students gain a hands-on experience conducting client interviews, observing legal practitioners in court and interacting with the police, Magistrates and court registry staff. This exposure enhances their professional growth, court etiquette and provides them with the opportunity to become familiar with the issues that arise in family violence matters and how to appropriately respond to such issues. Given the prevalence of family violence in family law matters, such skills are essential to family lawyers.
Members of the public with Family Violence Intervention Order matters being heard at Geelong are encouraged to contact the Clinic to request assistance regarding their Intervention Order hearing. The assistance of Deakin’s Duty Lawyer Service can also be requested on the day of the hearing, providing the hearing takes place on a Wednesday. This is a free service provided by Deakin to the general public.
Our Duty Lawyer Service is another example of Deakin Law Clinic’s commitment to community engagement and to addressing the significant issue of family violence in our communities.