The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Bill 2011 currently before State Parliament should be passed to protect children and families at risk, according to the Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Queensland (FLPA).
FLPA supports changes in the Bill which give a broader definition of domestic violence to reflect all forms of abuse, including financial abuse.
FLPA president Deborah Awyzio said the association also supported an increase in penalties for breaching domestic violence orders, proposed under the changes.
“This Bill is an important step in addressing domestic violence which can have devastating harmful and emotional effects on individuals, families and children,” she said.
“Domestic violence victims are at increased risk of depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue and in the worst of cases, suicide.”
In their submission on the proposed Act in 2008, FLPA made a number of recommendations that have been included in the Bill including changing the onus for consent orders.
“The Bill acknowledges our recommendations that arrangements for domestic violence orders be made by consent without the court having to make a finding that domestic violence has occurred,” Ms Awyzio said.
“Domestic violence legislation was first introduced to Queensland in 1989 and this Bill is an important step in updating the law to protect individuals who are at risk.”
FLPA urges all parties to support the passage of the Bill.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Merrett Pye on 0422 096 049 or Caroline Thurlow on 0414 565 575
About FLPA
The Family Law Practitioners’ Association of Queensland is the leading professional association for the family law sector in Queensland.
