FAMILY VIOLENCE AND CHILD ABUSE
Child Abuse
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The abuse and neglect of children is a matter of grave concern to the Family Court.
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If you have any concerns relating to your children, you should inform us immediately and detail these concerns to us.
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The Family Court takes a very cautious and careful attitude to the investigation of any allegations of child abuse or neglect. The Court always regards the children's best interests as paramount.
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There are mandatory reporting requirements under the Family Law Act if any allegations are made as to child abuse or neglect.
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Child abuse relates not only to sexual abuse, but also to physical and emotional abuse of children.
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We have a range of self-help materials to help you and your children to deal with any incidence of abuse.
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We also have information on resource centres, self-help centres and professional counselling services that you may need to use.
Family Violence
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Family violence includes direct physical violence as well as threats, intimidation and harassment by a party to a marriage or a defacto relationship to their partner.
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If you have been a victim of violence from your partner during your relationship then please tell us. We are able to assist you and provide you with practical advice and referrals to appropriate Counsellors, self-help organisations and shelters.
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If you have perpetrated any violence upon your partner at any stage during the relationship it is also important that you tell us. We are able to provide you with referrals to Counsellors if you so desire.
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The Family Court is particularly concerned about children being exposed to family violence either directly (by being a victim of it or by directly witnessing it themselves) or indirectly (for example, the children seeing the after effects of a fight between their parents or hearing a fight).
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In relation to children's issues, the Court when deciding on making Parenting Orders must consider any family violence that occurred during your relationship and any Domestic Violence Orders that are in place.
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If you are fearful of any acts of violence being committed upon you by your partner then you have the right to seek a Protection Order under the Domestic Violence legislation in Queensland.
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We can provide you with specific advice on how to obtain a Protection Order in urgent circumstances.
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In most cases you can obtain the Order by attending at your nearest Magistrates Court and asking the Duty Police Prosecutor to assist you in making the Application and seeking the Protection Order.
Last updated 15 Feb 2008
Dear Brett & Catherine,
… if you require references for clients at any stage feel free to have them call me on my mobile number.
We are proud to be Hartley Family Law’s first and winning case since its inception, a little landmark I guess.
All the best to you both
