Domestic Violence and COVID-19

A number of newspaper reports through 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted that domestic and family violence has increased considerably across Australia. The reasons proposed for this are varied but include added financial stress, enforced isolation creating the conditions under which violence can arise. Stay-at-home measures may also have reduced victims’ options and the ability to seek help.

Domestic violence is a crime but inextricably linked to family law. It can occur in different ways: physical violence, emotional abuse or enforced financial dependence. The law does provide some protections.

The Courts can make special restraining orders, known as Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), to help you if you are concerned about domestic violence. There are two types of AVOs in NSW:

(i) Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders – this type of order will be made where the parties are related, living together, are living in the same residential block, are in a carer relationship, or in an intimate relationship with one another.

(ii) Apprehended Personal Violence Orders - this type of order will be made if there is abuse being committed between people who are not related, and there is no domestic relationship. This can, for example, include neighbours.

Contact our Domestic Violence Solicitors Sydney, NSW

A new year can be a new start. At Szabo & Associates Solicitors, we are experienced in dealing with the issues raised by domestic violence in a sympathetic but thoroughly professional way. If you are affected by these issues, please contact us on 02 9281 5088 or fill in the online form.