Construction begins on Specialist Family Violence Court in Geelong

CONSTRUCTION has begun on Geelong’s first Specialist Family Violence Court (SFVC).

Once complete, the new $26 million court – located next to the Geelong Magistrates’ Court – will provide better family violence services to the community and will be supported by a specialised team of magistrates, operational staff and family violence practitioners.

Designed with victim-survivors front of mind, the new facility will minimise the risk of interaction between court users before and after their hearings, with separate zones for victim-survivors and respondents.

The building expansion will also include more private meeting spaces for confidential support, remote witness facilities and child-friendly spaces.

The Victorian government will establish specialist courts at 13 magistrates’ court locations, with works already completed at Dandenong, Shepparton, Ballarat, Moorabbin, Heidelberg and Frankston.

SFVCs hear intervention order cases alongside other matters, including bail applications, pleas in criminal cases and family law parenting matters.

The rollout of SFVCs across Victoria responds to a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which called for specialist court facilities at all main court locations to better support people affected by family violence.

There is strong demand for these specialised facilities, with the Barwon South West Region managing more than 15,770 cases last year, including more than 3100 family violence intervention orders.

The Victorian government says such courts will make sure victim-survivors of family violence can get help no matter where they live in Victoria.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens visited the site of the court earlier this month to mark the beginning of construction.

“These courts prioritise the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors, while holding perpetrators to account,” she said.

“We’ll always support and protect victim-survivors of family violence and ensure the justice system is safe and accessible for everyone no matter where you live.”

For more information on SFVCs, head to mcv.vic.gov.au/about/specialist-family-violence-courts