Family Violence

Family Violence (Intervention Order) Applicant Lawyer Pilot Project

St Kilda Legal Service has been operating a family violence duty lawyer pilot project at the Moorabbin Justice Centre since June 2008.  The Moorabbin Justice Centre is a new Magistrate's Court opened in October 2007 in Highett.  When the Court first opened there was no court support provided to applicants in family violence matters.  St Kilda Legal Service began the Family Violence (Intervention Order) Applicant Lawyer Pilot Project in June 2008. 

The St Kilda Legal Service Family Violence (Intervention Order) Applicant Lawyer attends the Moorabbin Justice Centre most Mondays and provides a duty lawyer service for (primarily) applicants in family violence matters.  The Victoria Legal Aid provides advice and representation to respondents.  (If there is a conflict these roles are reversed.)

The Pilot Project has been extended twice and funding is being sought to continue this vital program. 

Due to lack of funding a dedicated worker is no longer employed in the role of Family Violence (Intervention Order) Applicant Lawyer.  The role is currently filled by the St Kilda Legal Service principal solicitor.