Violence Intervention Orders - Role
of the Victoria Police
Q: Why are the Police
Involved?
The police have an obligation to investigate reports of Family
Violence. It is good public policy and for the benefit of society that the
police take reports of Family Violence seriously. When it comes to personal
safety, prevention of future harm is always paramount. Prevention comes in
various forms and the Victorian Police play a role in educating the public and
ensuring public safety.
When the police investigate a
family violence complaint, they will assess any risk to your family member’s
safety. This process can be confronting and confusing at times, but it’s
important to remember that the police are there to assist in preventing Family
Violence. Arguing or abusing a police officer will not help you in this
situation and may lead to charges if your conduct amounts to obstruction or
assault.
Q: What can the Police
do when they are investigating reports of Family Violence?
The police have a range of powers that they can exercise
depending on the circumstances. The police can:
·
Arrest or hold you in custody;
·
Remove you from the home;
·
Give you a family violence safety notice; or
·
Remove guns or other weapons.
If the police are involved and
they feel that there is a genuine risk to a family member’s safety, they may
apply for an Intervention Order on behalf of the endangered family member. If
the police have applied for an Intervention Order, then a member of the police will
represent the Applicant at Court.
Q: I am not happy with the police,
what can I do about it?
The police have a duty to investigate reports of family violence
as well as a duty to keep the peace. If you are ever confused by a police officer’s
instructions, you can always ask for clarification at the time.
If you are unhappy with the
police after the incident, you can lodge a complaint to the Section Sargent. It
is a good idea to record the names and details of the police officer you had
contact with, including which station they are from.
If you require assistance, call
us today to speak with a lawyer to learn about your rights
To learn more, see
our other sections on Intervention Orders:
We can offer you a fixed fee affordable legal service
when it comes to Intervention Orders. Speak with one of our lawyers today to
learn more.
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