Today, the Chief Justice of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA), the Hon William Alstergren AO is hosting an inaugural National Family Violence Symposium involving approximately 80 key stakeholders from every State and Territory representing the family violence and other related sectors such as those working in frontline services, government, academia, legal and victim support services.
“The prevalence of family violence throughout our communities is a national disgrace. We’re not even halfway thought the year, and yet 28 women have reportedly been killed in 2024 so far. Family violence is simply unacceptable and it must stop,” Chief Justice Alstergren said.
“In recent years the FCFCOA has been actively focused on improving the identification of risk and making enormous change to how it responds to cases that involve allegations of family violence. Court data shows that the families that come before our Courts are, more often than not, faced with a range of complex issues. Approximately 91% of parenting cases have one or more major risk factors alleged (such as allegations of family violence, child abuse, serious mental health and substance misuse issues), and 69% of our parenting cases have four or more major risk factors alleged.
“Through recent and sophisticated risk assessment methods and sharing of information with police and child protection, the Courts have better and more timely access to critical information about the families and children involved in proceedings and the various risks facing those families. This information assists with better informed decisions around the safety and best interests of children.
