Behind Closed Doors and SARS-CoV-2 (aka Covid-19)
SARS-CoV-2 has been wreaking havoc on all areas of life; family violence and what happens behind closed doors is no exception. The definition and what constitute family (domestic) violence has not changed and will continue to be applied during the SARS-CoV-2. For an understanding on what behaviour, or lack thereof, constitutes family violence, please refer to Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic).
Studies have shown that in the event of a natural disaster, domestic violence rates surge. One notion here may be that the consequences and aftermath of a natural disaster (including the current pandemic) carries with it serious consequences in the context of not only economic implications, but also general day-to-day life for individuals and families; including psychological wellbeing.
Consequently, SARS-CoV-2 has impacted the ‘normal’ daily routine of businesses, individuals and their families. Never has the Australian Government moved to impose drastic, but necessary, social and work restrictions on businesses, individuals and families; all to minimise transmission of the virus.
Restrictions such as social distancing and communication, limitations on leaving your home, closure of certain businesses, unemployment, home schooling of children. These are restrictions that are inadvertently fuelling the domestic violence flame.
Important note: Only a Court has the power to issue a family violence or personal safety intervention order. Victoria Police or other policing forces can only apply to the court for the application to be approved. The relevant Court will then consider the merit of such application. Victoria Police do not make an order.
If you or someone you know would like to speak with counselling services about domestic violence matters, the relevant services to assist include:
- Berry Street Workers (03 9429 9266)
- Beyond Blue (1800 737 732)
- The Orange Door (1800 312 820)
If you are the respondent to a family violence intervention order or a personal safety intervention order and require urgent legal assistance, please contact our office.
If you are the applicant or seek to apply for a personal safety intervention order and require urgent legal representation, please contact our office.
Debra Parkinson and Claire Zara, ‘The hidden disaster: domestic violence in the aftermath of natural disasters’ Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience – Disaster Resilience Knowledge Hub v 23 April 2013
1 https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/ajem-apr-2013-the-hidden-disaster-domestic-violence-in-the-aftermath-of-natural-disaster/>
