Legal
COVID-19 and Domestic Violence
It is also intended to include the impact of COvid-19 public health requirements, for example, stay-at-home Orders, on the prevalence of Domestic Violence and provision of support services.
By: Mitu Gopalan
I
t is indeed disappointing to note that the Federal Government is now looking at setting up a new parliamentary enquiry into Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence, particularly given the inadequacies portrayed in the most recent Senate Enquiry into Domestic Violence. The new enquiry is intended to cover immediate and long term measure to prevent violence against women and their children and focus on gender equality. The enquiry has also been requested to look at the best practice and lessons which can be learned from the international experiences and requesting guidance in order to provide accountability for services and policy responses. Download Our App
The social and economic impact of the pandemic is placing a significant number of vulnerable women and children at risk. Twelve women have been killed pursuant to Domestic Violence incidents since Covid-19 lockdown measures were put in place in March 2020. It is disgrace that New South Wales faced a recent death relating to Ms Kamaljeet Sidhu. No such incidents should take place in the future. Below are some tips on what you can do: 1. If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT which is a 24-hours national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for all Australians sho are at risk or experiencing domestic violence. 2. Of course if you are in immediate danger, call 000 for Police or Ambulance. 3. In NSW, the Department of Communities and Justice can assist you with accommodation Due to current situation, there have also JUNE I 2020
been changes made to residential tenancy law as which in some cases allows you to terminate a lease without penalty if you are experiences family violence. Further information can be found here:- https:// www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-12-domesticviolence 4. Remember to always stay in touch with friends and family, even if you can only od so via text message or social media. 5. Should the situation escalate, and you need to contact he police, you may be able to obltain Apprehended Domestic Violence Order which is a legal document that will protect you from family violence. 6. Your mental health and wellbeing are important during these times. A list of services and support contacts can be found here:- https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/ sevices/Pages/support-contcat-lost.aspx If you are concerned about your legal rights in relationship, whether it be issues relating to domestic violence, property, settlement or child custody, please do not hesitate to contact Freedmanm & Gopalan Solicitor on 02 8917 8700 for advice. This is so that we do not lose another Kamaljeet from our community and society. www.DesiAustralia.com
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