Family violence remains a significant and deeply troubling issue within our community, as highlighted by Family Violence Royal Commissioner Marcia Neave during the Law Institute’s Family Violence Conference on 5 August 2016. The Commissioner shared an account of a fellow judge who still suffers from nightmares due to his father’s violence towards his mother. Such stories underscore the lasting impact of family violence on victims and their families.
Commissioner Neave reported that family violence is significantly underreported, with many incidents never making it to the police. Even among those cases that are reported, 9 percent involve recidivist perpetrators, and two-thirds of the victims are women. Despite years of research and intervention programs, the Commissioner acknowledged that there is still uncertainty about what truly works to change perpetrators’ behavior. Alarmingly, many children exposed to family violence grow up to exhibit violent behavior themselves, perpetuating a cycle of violence.
One of the most concerning points raised by the Commissioner is that many lawyers may not take allegations of family violence, particularly economic abuse, seriously enough when taking instructions from clients. This highlights the critical need for victims to have access to specialised legal support, particularly from an intervention order lawyer.
An intervention order lawyer is crucial in helping victims of family violence obtain legal protection through intervention orders, which can prevent further abuse and provide a sense of safety and security. If you are a victim of violence, it’s essential to seek the advice and support of an experienced intervention order lawyer. At Rowan Skinner and Associate Lawyers, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for victims of family violence. We understand the urgency and sensitivity of these matters, and we are here to guide you through the process of obtaining an intervention order.
We also service clients in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs, including Northcote, Alphington, Carlton, Fitzroy, North Fitzroy, Kew, and Heidelberg, as well as South Melbourne and South Yarra. Contact us at (03) 9995 9155 today for a non-obligatory consultation and let us help you take the first step towards safety.
Rowan Skinner is a highly skilled family lawyer with over 35 years of experience across various legal roles and jurisdictions. Rowan specialises in resolving family law disputes such as divorce, financial settlements, child custody and domestic violence cases. Through his diverse and extensive experience, Rowan has a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances involved in family law. Rowan is a skilled negotiator and litigator who follows a compassionate and client-focused approach which prioritises helping you navigate what can be an emotional and challenging time.