ONLINE SWITCH AIDS VICTIMS
NEW family violence cases in the region topped 3650 last year, forcing Geelong Magistrates Court to hear up to 60 family violence intervention order (FVIO) applications a week.
But the launch of an online application process in Geelong last April means the majority of rulings on local FVIO applications are now heard in a virtual format — with no need for victims to face perpetrators in court.
South West Barwon police prosecutor acting Senior Sergeant Mick Graham said the Geelong court set aside one courtroom twice a week to deal solely with FVIO applications.
“We have two main days where we have 30-plus matters a day where people are seeking intervention orders that police are involved in and providing people protection,” he said.
In the past year almost 6500 people statewide — and 393 in the Barwon southwest region that includes courts in Colac, Geelong, Hamilton, Portland and Warrnambool — have applied for FVIOs online.
Statewide there were more than 39,000 applications for FVIOs, in person and online, in 2019-20.
Across the Barwon southwest region, 3667 family violence cases were started in 2020.
Regional co-ordinating magistrate Ann McGarvie said help for victims to access court was available via phone, high-risk matters were prioritised and the Geelong Magistrates Court remained open for those seeking protection from family violence.
“FVIO applications continue to be heard, and interim orders are made,” she said. “Court-based family violence practitioners are able to provide support and referrals to other services via phone. Duty lawyers can also provide advice via phone.
Sergeant Graham said investigations into family violence and resulting FVIO applications were assisted by footage from body-worn cameras that captured the early responses of victims and helped strengthen police cases.
He said police investigating domestic violence cases sometimes determined protection for a victim was needed and made FVIO applications on their behalf, which usually came before the court in 7-14 days.
Magistrates court data shows 3452 family violence cases began in 2019 across the Barwon southwest region, up from 3246 cases began in 2018. Apply for a FVIO at