Domestic Violence Lawyers Sydney | The Defenders

NEWS

Domestic Violence Lawyers in Sydney

A survey of domestic violence data in Australia showed that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men had experienced at least one form of violence from a current or former partner since the age of 15. Between 2014 and 2015, 2,800 women and 560 men were hospitalised after being assaulted by a spouse or partner.

These domestic violence statistics demonstrated the urgent need to address domestic violence acts both against women and men, and let the Australian public know more about this serious issue, by raising awareness of these criminal acts.

The following figures show the prevalence of Domestic Violence in Australia:

  • One woman per week is murdered by their partners
  • 1 in 4 women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15
  • 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15
  • 85% of women have been sexually harassed
  • Almost 40% of women continued to experience violence from their partner while temporarily separated
  • 1 in 6 women have experienced stalking since the age of 15
  • Statistics indicate that domestic violence rates are higher in rural and regional NSW

These figures show the impact these forms of domestic violence have on women in society and how it has a dramatic effect on women’s health.

For more information on Domestic Violence statistics in Australia, click here.

These figures are staggering but what is more alarming is that a majority, of domestic violent acts are not reported via news channels, which does not help to raise much more needed awareness on the subject.

It has also been reported that family violence was a leading cause of homelessness, and that the problem had grown significantly in the past five years, and that millions of children had been physically or sexually abused.

Additionally, Indigenous people were more likely to be at risk from Domestic Violent incidents.

The (AIHW) also found that family violence in Australia had significant financial impacts, costing “at least” $22 billion in direct costs (such as healthcare and welfare support) and indirect costs (such as lost wages), to the Australian Government.

With more awareness being raised by the Government Anti-Domestic Violence campaigns and social influencers, it is still surprising that the level of Domestic Violence in Australia is still quite high. Some of the reasons for this are as follows:

  • Women are too scared to report any incidents whilst still living with their partners
  • They may feel embarrassed or shamed
  • They don’t want to leave their partner and are more reluctant to report the crime
  • They don’t wish to break up the family unit

What happens if you have been charged with a Domestic Violence Crime?

More often-than-not, bonds are issued to those charged with Domestic Violence. However, if offenders who injure their victims, breach their bail, or if the offender has been charged before with Domestic Violent Crimes, then the likelihood of the offender going to gaol is much more likely.

Click here to learn more about Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence Penalties, or Domestic Violence Defence Strategies.

Additionally, there are also incidents where people have been wrongfully-accused of Domestic Violence, and unfortunately, there are several cases reported in which the person accused is innocent of the offence. In such scenarios, False Accusation can be used as a defence strategy. If you have significant evidence stating that you were not involved in the crime that you are accused of, you might have a suitable defence. In some circumstances, another individual may falsely accuse the defendant in accordance to section 314 of the Crimes Act 1900 which states that any person who accuses someone of an offence they did not commit, is liable to imprisonment for 7 years.

If you have been charged with a Domestic Violence charge and you require Domestic Violence Legal Services, then please don’t hesitate to contact our office for advice immediately.

Benjamin Leonardo are Domestic Violence Lawyers, have offices in Sydney and Parramatta and are conveniently located near the district courts. They understand the strain Domestic Violence cases have on their clients and families alike, and provide sympathetic and non-judgemental advice and support to their clients. Having defended more than 3,800 cases and with a success rate of over 90%, Benjamin Leonardo provide Domestic Violence Legal Services in Sydney & Parramatta, and provide their clients with informed legal advice and flexible payment terms. If you have been charged with a domestic violence offence, please contact Benjamin Leonardo on (02) 9283 3033, for your first Consultation.