Specialist family violence court opens in Geelong

A SPECIALIST court dedicated to family violence matters has opened in Geelong, where thousands of intervention orders and related cases are heard each year.

The Specialist Family Violence Court, based at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court, will handle bail applications, criminal pleas and family law parenting matters linked to family violence.

More than $77 million has been used to establish the dedicated family violence court, which the state government says has been designed to support the wellbeing of people affected by family violence and promote greater accountability for perpetrators.

The Geelong Law Courts now feature separate entry and exit points, secure waiting areas, private interview rooms, remote witness spaces and child-friendly areas.

Family violence cases make up a substantial share of the matters heard in Geelong. Last year, the Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard more than 15,000 cases, including 3,478 family violence intervention orders.

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the court would play an important role for people navigating family violence matters.

“The Geelong Specialist Family Violence Court will provide invaluable support for victim-survivors and their loved ones whilst holding perpetrators to account,” she said.

“Specialist Family Violence Courts are a safe, comfortable space for those affected by family violence to receive dedicated support as they navigate the court system, which we know can be a daunting experience.”

The opening in Geelong brings the number of Specialist Family Violence Courts in Victoria to 13, including facilities in Ballarat and Wyndham.

The rollout responds to a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Since the Royal Commission, the state government has invested more than $4 billion in family violence prevention and response, including the statewide expansion of the Orange Door Network to more than 60 locations.

Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said the specialist court has been purpose-built to keep people “safe, supported and respected”.

“Importantly, the design ensures victim-survivors and perpetrators are separated, reducing fear and re-traumatisation and allowing people to give their best evidence in a secure environment,” she said.

“For people across the Bellarine and Barwon South West, this means access to specialist justice and support services close to home – and a system that better understands the reality of family violence while holding perpetrators to account.”