Improving responses to family violence in the family law system : an advice on the intersection of family violence and family law issues / Family Law Council.

Canberra, A.C.T. : Attorney-General's Department, 2009.

87278

Australia. -- Family Court.

Family violence -- Australia -- Prevention.

Executive summary and recommendations

1. Introduction

2. Impacts of family violence on children and parenting

3. Definitions of family violence

4. Family violence and specific issues

5. Role of the Commonwealth Government

6. The need for a common understanding that is evidence based

7. Jurisdictional framework impacting on family violence and child abuse

8. Adducing evidence in court

9. Communication between States, Territories and Federal authorities

10. Framework for legislative reform.

In 2008, the Family Law Council was asked by the Attorney-General to provide advice on improving the coordination between the family law and the State and Territory family violence systems, with particular emphasis on court related services. The Council examined how the family law system could better identify and address allegations of family violence and how related authorities could share information and assessments. This report presents their advice, which includes recommendations addressing community education on domestic violence and parenting rights under the law, professional training on assessment and procedures, and interagency collaboration between courts, state and territory child protection agencies, and other related bodies. The report discusses: the impacts of family violence on children and parenting; definitions of family violence; family violence and specific issues, such as health and culture; the role of the Commonwealth Government; the need for a common understanding that is evidence based; the jurisdictional framework impacting on family violence and child abuse; adducing evidence in court; communication between States, Territories and Federal authorities; and a framework for legislative reform.

Includes bibliographical references.

9781921725074

107 p. ; 25 cm