Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Women's experiences of the legal system: domestic violence, relationships and legal intervention
Other Titles:	Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre Newsletter
Authors:	Vucko, Maria
Keywords:	Legislation analysis;Protection orders
Year:	2001
Publisher:	Domestic Violence & Incest Resource Centre
Citation:	(2), Winter 2001
Notes:	Briefly describes how societal attitudes have influenced legislative change and continue to have an impact on legal responses to domestic violence. The author interviewed 15 women about their experiences of the legal system in New South Wales, especially in relation to the effectiveness of Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), protective orders based in Part 15A, Crimes Act 1900. Women reported inconsistent responses and service providers' lack of understanding concerning the dynamics of domestic violence, thus placing responsibility for the violence with the woman who was the subject of abuse. Women were not adequately informed about their legal rights and the nature of the AVO (that it was not a criminal charge). Others, including extended family members, placed pressure on women to withdraw the AVO and minimised women's right to legal protection. Police were shown to be ignorant of their powers and certain procedures resulted in women being shunted between police and the chamber magistrate. Complaints were made about police inaction regarding breaches and the reluctance to prosecute for serious assaults. Service providers were generally unaware of the support services available for women and in some circumstances women from a non-English speaking background were not given access to interpreters. Just over half the women felt the AVO was effective because it had curbed her partner's violence and abuse. Women stated that the process of applying for the AVO had benefits, particularly in publicly naming the violence so that it could not be ignored any longer. Highlights that women continue to have difficulty in accessing and being treated fairly by the justice system.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/12657
ISSN:	1324-4264
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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