Family Violence: An Epidemic in a Pandemic

Family violence is insidious in nature, often occurring gradually so that many victims do not recognise the violence, in its many forms, for what it is until much later. Clients often explain to us that by the time they have given second and more chances, hoping their partner will change, they are so entrenched in the relationship they feel it is too late to leave. This is often inextricably linked with financial control, meaning that their partner controls the finances to such an extent that they no longer have access to funds that may otherwise give them the financial freedom to leave.

It is easy but unhelpful to ask the question: "Why didn't she/he leave?" It is difficult at the best of times for victims of family violence to leave. The current COVID-19 pandemic no doubt makes that seem harder than ever.

Many of our family violence clients call us when their partner is at work or otherwise out of the family home so that they can speak openly without fear of repercussion. They explain that when their partner is stressed or intoxicated the violence often escalates either in nature or frequency. In these times of increased job losses and economic pressures where stress is being felt in households across the country, we have concerns for the increase we see in family violence matters.

Many victims will not be unfamiliar with isolation, having been carefully, gradually and discretely isolated them from family and friends over time. What is different now is that they may be forced to spend much more time with their perpetrator without recourse to safe access to advice and assistance without risk of being heard within the confines of their home and in turn, risk to their own safety and to that of their children.

TIPS FOR VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE IN A PANDEMIC

 If you or someone you know are experiencing family violence:

  1.      If there is an immediate risk of
physical harm or other threat to
safety, call the police on 000.

2.     Engage with the services available
in your area. The ACT Domestic
Violence Crisis Service remains
available via their Domestic Violence
Crisis Intervention line 24/7 on:
6280 0900. Similar services are
available in all states and territories.

3.     Seek legal advice from one of our
experienced family lawyers.

4.      Confide in a trusted friend or
colleague who can check in on you
during any period of self isolation or
lockdown. You may wish to think
creatively and come up with a code
word or symbol that can be sent as
a text symbolising that you need
urgent assistance in
circumstances where you cannot
otherwise make a call yourself.

5.      Have an exit plan. Work with the
Domestic Violence Crisis service,
your solicitor and/or a trusted friend
or colleague to develop an exit plan.
Think about where you will go if you
need to leave during a period of
self-isolation or quarantine; how
you will leave; and what things,
including any important
documents, you may need to take.

6.      If you hear something or see
something, speak up. Your
neighbour or your friend may need
you to be the person to reach out or
call police and your involvement
may save a life. Family Violence is
everybody's business.

As at the time of writing this article, the ACT Magistrate's Court also remains open and while the way in which some aspects of the Court operate has changed, services are still available. The Protection Unit which deals with family violence matters remains operational and you can apply in person for an interim family violence order. Contact us or the ACT Magistrate's Court for more information.

Stay safe. Be kind and look out for each other in these uncertain and extraordinary times.