NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND PROTECTION ORDERS LAW

Attorney General, Simon Corbell, tonight welcomed the passage in the Legislative Assembly of new laws to improve domestic violence and protection orders.

"Domestic and personal violence continues to be a significant concern for our community. People who experience domestic violence need and deserve the protection of our justice system," Mr Corbell said.

"These new laws broaden the scope of intimate relationships covered by the law and increases protection for children exposed to domestic violence.

"Intimate homosexual relationships and relationships where the parties do not reside together will now be covered by the law.

"The Act also expands the definition of domestic violence to incorporate the psychological abuse of a child or young person.

"This will allow orders to be made to protect children from exposure to domestic violence.

In the ACT during the period of 1st July 2007 to 1st July 2008 the Domestic Violence Crisis Service recorded 8738 calls from clients. During the same period the police received 2108 complaints and the Magistrates Court recorded in excess of 1800 protection order applications.

"The Domestic Violence and Protection Orders Act 2008 improves how interim domestic violence orders become final orders," Mr Corbell said.

"The changes address fair trial issues raised by the Supreme Court, whilst maintaining an effective system to protect people in need of an order.

"The Act is designed to simplify the structure of the law and improve accessibility to the law.

"Domestic violence orders provide a legally enforceable mechanism to assist in the prevention of violence between spouses or family members and to facilitate the safety and protection of people who fear, or experience, violence."