Domestic Violence Offences
Physical Assault: Includes hitting, slapping, punching, or any other form of physical harm.
Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour.
Stalking and Intimidation: Persistent and unwanted attention that causes fear or distress.
Emotional Abuse: Includes threats, intimidation, harassment, and controlling behaviour.
Economic Abuse: Restricting access to financial resources, employment, or education.
Breaching Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs): Violating the conditions set by the court to protect the victim.
Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs)
AVOs are legal orders issued by the court to protect individuals from violence, intimidation, or harassment. There are two types of AVOs:
Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs): Protects individuals in a domestic relationship (e.g., current or former partners, family members).
Apprehended Personal Violence Orders (APVOs): Protects individuals who do not have a domestic relationship with the defendant (e.g., neighbours, co-workers).
Conditions of AVOs
Mandatory Conditions: The defendant must not assault, threaten, stalk, harass, or intimidate the protected person.
Additional Conditions: Depending on the circumstances, the court may impose additional conditions, such as:
Prohibiting the defendant from contacting the protected person.
Restricting the defendant from going near the protected person's home, work, or school.
Prohibiting the defendant from possessing firearms or prohibited weapons.
Requiring the defendant to surrender any firearms to the police.
Breaching an AVO is a criminal offence and can result in penalties, including imprisonment for up to 2 years and/or a fine of $5,500.
Recent Legislative Changes
Recent reforms have strengthened protections for victims of domestic violence, including stricter penalties and new offences to address the evolving nature of domestic violence.