Violence in the home and family relationships is never an appropriate response to conflict or aggression.
Often a cycle of abuse, domestic violence can have detrimental consequences for the victim, their family members and friends and it can lead to significant declines in the physical and mental health.
Domestic violence is a serious criminal offence which follows with serious legal consequences. If you are a victim of relationship violence, family violence or domestic violence of any kind, seeking advice from experienced domestic violence lawyers can help protect you from domestic abuse. LY Lawyers have an experienced team of domestic violence lawyers who are dedicated to providing the best possible legal advice for victims of domestic violence. Dealing with each case with the utmost respect and confidentiality, the team at LY Lawyers are dedicated to achieving the best outcome for clients.
What is Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is governed under the Family Law Act 1975. If an individual is charged with domestic violence, criminal convictions are available in addition to potential legal consequences under the Family Law Act 1975.
Actions constituting domestic violence are broad and it can therefore be difficult to identify domestic violence. Further, because most domestic violence occurs behind closed doors, there may be greater difficulties in identifying what constitutes domestic violence.
Therefore, domestic violence can include acts such as:
- Physical violence – Hitting, kicking, punching, spitting
- Emotional violence – Threats
- Economical violence – Control of finances
- Sexual violence – Sexual Assault
- Social violence – Being unable to see family and friends
Taking Legal Action
As a victim of domestic violence, it can be difficult to recognise what actions to take to protect yourself from the harm. Taking legal action can provide victims with a multitude of options to put an end to domestic violence. With years of experience dealing with domestic violence matters, the team at LY Lawyers are equipped with the legal expertise needed to help victims take legal action to prevent further domestic abuse.
The legal assistance available to victims of domestic abuse is not limited to just court proceedings. There are many other legal alternatives that are available to victims. Further, if you are a victim that is in immediate danger, there are many legal services available to help you.
Apprehended Domestic Violence Order
An apprehended domestic violence orders (AVDO) is a court order issued to protect victims from physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological and/or emotional abuse, harassing or behaviour characterised as intimidating. These orders are often issued where a domestic relationship exists between the victim and the accused.
Further, an ADVO places restriction against the defendant. These may include:
- No longer being able to reside in the family home
- No longer being able to contact the protected person
- Staying specific distances away from the protected person
- No longer being able to try and locate the protected person
- No longer being able to possess any firearms or prohibited weapons.
Apprehended Personal Violence Orders
Similar to ADVO’s, an apprehended personal violence order (APVO) is a court issued to protect victims from physical, sexual, psychological and/or emotional abuse, harassing or behaviour characterised as intimidated. An APVO order is often issued where there is no domestic relationship between the parties. These may be relationship of co-workers or neighbours.
What LY Lawyers Can Do for You
Our team at LY Lawyers are experienced and knowledgeable about family law and domestic violence.
If you are a victim to domestic violence and want to seek legal help, LY Lawyers can help you by:
- Filing your report to the police, ensuring that all relevant information is included.
- Taking out an ADVO or ADPO.
- Representing you in court if court proceedings are needed.
- Advise on the available and best legal resources for your individual case, such as Dispute Resolutions.
- Guide you through the Family Court proceedings.
- Provide information regarding the effects of siling a domestic violence report.
- Child support.
- Taking out an intervention order.
- Seeking Legal Aid.
Taking the step to seek legal advice as a victim of domestic violence can be a difficult and complex process. Our Sydney criminal law firm, with over 50 years of combined experience, understands the difficulty of this and strives to always be a support service alongside being a family law and domestic violence legal service to gain the best outcome for our clients.
Contact LY Lawyers to seek legal advice regarding family violence, relationship violence or any kind of domestic violence for further information today.