The domestic violence provision allows a person whose residency or residency application depends on her/his former (de facto) spouse to continue with the immigration procedure. It has to be proved that the relationship was genuine and continuing when the application was submitted, and that domestic violence was experienced by the partner or her/his dependants. Judicial evidence such as court injunctions or court orders against the abusive spouse is required. If evidence from a court is unavailable, statutory declarations completed by competent persons including doctors, social workers and practitioners of domestic violence services are acceptable. Domestic violence contact officers are located in every office of DIMIA to provide information.