Case 85: Supporting women experiencing family violence

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A female family violence worker at Women’s Health West has stated that the Charter had a prominent impact in not only the way in which human rights issues are framed and tackled but also the practical realisation of these rights across various sectors. The family violence worker stated: “We frequently refer to the Charter to educate clients about their rights and responsibilities, such as the right to live free from violence and the right to be safe. Often women are surprised to hear this and respond that this is the first time they’ve had their experiences framed in this way. At times, workers will refer back to legislative changes that reflect these rights, such as police power to temporarily remove suspected perpetrators of family violence from the house, issue safety notices and apply for intervention orders on behalf of the affected family member and the requirement to make relevant referrals to regional family violence services, men’s referral services and the Department of Human Services. So the rights are backed up by actions that actually make a difference.”

Source: Western Region Health Centre and Women’s Health West, Submission to the Review of the Victorian Charter, 2011