Family violence victims will no longer have to pay fees when seeking interim family violence orders.
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The government will waive all fees related to the Family Violence Act.
In November The Examiner launched the Fighting Back campaign aimed at creating awareness and reducing the barriers for people fleeing family violence.
Throughout the course of the campaign The Examiner has spoken to a variety of stakeholders and victims about what services needed improvement and what stands in the way of seeking help.
As a first step in the campaign The Examiner readers were asked to sign a petition to have the government remove the fees associated with seeking an interim family violence order through the courts.
Victims could be faced with a $32.40 administrative fee, plus $15 for photocopying but now those fees will be waived.
"To help break down another barrier for those fleeing from family violence, we will exclude fees for all documents relating to proceedings under the Family Violence Act 2004. This will include all fees, not just a filing fee," Premier and Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Peter Gutwein said.
"Whilst, there is already a mechanism in place to waive these fees by our courts, and there is no cost at all for urgent Police Family Violence Orders, we want to ensure there are no barriers whatsoever for anyone seeking to get away from a violent relationship."
The announcement coincides with the adoption of Our Watch Workplace Equality and Respect Standards throughout government departments.
The Examiner's Fighting Back campaign will not end here and will now focus on how current access to support infrastructure can be improved and whether existing laws need to be strengthened to help prevent abuse.
Need help?
- For those seeking help, Family Violence Counselling and Support Service is available on 1800 608 122 from 9am to midnight weekdays, and 4pm to midnight on weekends and public holidays.
- Telephone and online counselling is available at 1800 RESPECT or by calling 1800 737 732.
- Lifeline is also available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
- To access crisis accommodation through Magnolia Place, contact Housing Connect Launceston on 1800 800 588.
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