A national approach to domestic violence offenders will offer better protection to victims across the state.
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As of November 25, the National Domestic Violence Order Scheme will ensure anyone with a court or police-approved Family Violence Order against them will automatically be recognised and enforced across Australia.
Previously the orders only applied in the state or territory in which they were issued.
This meant individuals fleeing from violent situations would need to register an FVO in a new state or territory for it to be enforceable.
Women’s Legal Service Tasmania chief executive Susan Fahey said the scheme will simplify the system and offer better protection for victims of domestic violence.
“This is a really important scheme,” she said.
“We see a lot of people who flee to different states to escape abusive relationships, only to have their location exposed through new FVO registrations.
“It will also give police a lot more information to work with.”
Ms Fahey said in extreme circumstances under the old system, lawyers would submit FVO applications for multiple states in order to protect a victims location.
She said the national scheme had been a long time coming.
“Like a lot of things to do with domestic violence, it has taken a while,” she said.
“I have been aware of people talking about this scheme for 10 years.
“It has not been an easy thing to achieve but it is a great result.”
Existing Tasmanian laws protecting victims and affected family members from domestic violence have not changed.
Individuals with a current FVO issued before 25 November can apply to any local court in Australia to have it recognised and enforced nationally.
Ms Fahey said anyone in Tasmania with concerns should contact their local legal aid service provider.