Essay on Domestic Violence

Resource Description

The effectiveness of legal and non-legal measures in regards to domestic violence
Whilst the law has been significantly responsive in regards to the issue of domestic violence, it has provided justice to protect victims only to a limited extent. Thus, legal measures have been only some-what effective at protecting the rights of domestic violence victims. Domestic violence refers to the acts of violence committed against someone who has or has had a domestic relationship. It exists in various forms, such as; physical, psychological, verbal, sexual assault, emotional and economic abuse. The law aims to protect victims of domestic violence through a range of measures, either through criminal conviction under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) or ADVO’s under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 NSW. Moreover, court programs and amendments to protect the rights of children have been implemented in an attempt to deal with the prevailing issue of domestic violence. Indeed, the SMH describes family violence as being “invisible to the legal system” as it continues to be an entrenched systemic issue that often goes unreported due to the victim’s personal relationship with the perpetrator. Whilst there are huge community concerns, the issue of domestic violence is further compounded by the overwhelming complexity of the legal processes involved.