Victim-survivors of family violence in the Barwon South West region will have greater access to justice and support services with the opening of a Specialist Family Violence Court based out of the Geelong Magistrates' Court - backed with funding by the Allan Labor Government.
Member for Bellarine, Alison Marchant, joined the Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny today to officially open the new court, which has been designed to support the wellbeing of people affected by family violence and promote greater accountability for perpetrators.
It will hear a variety of matters including bail applications, pleas in criminal cases and family law parenting matters.
The Government provided more than 4 billion and implemented all 227 recommendations from Royal Commission.
This investment includes supporting family violence victim survivors through the rollout of the statewide Orange Door Network to more than 60 locations, which have helped more than half a million Victorians, including more than 200,000 children.
A further $172 million was invested in the last Budget to help keep women and children safe, hold perpetrators to account and support victim survivors, including through improved access to legal services, case management and therapeutic support.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny
"The Geelong Specialist Family Violence Court will provide invaluable support for victim-survivors and their loved ones whilstholding perpetrators to account."
"Specialist Family Violence Courts are a safe, comfortable space for those affected by family violence to receive dedicated support as they navigate the court system, which we know can be a daunting experience."
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"This Specialist Family Violence Court will make a real difference for people in the Bellarine, giving victim-survivors a safer, more supportive place to seek justice close to home"
