The Victorian Crimes Act 1958 covers acts of family violence such as assault, sexual abuse or stalking as criminal offences.

In addition, victims of family violence can seek an intervention order to restrict the perpetrator under the Crimes (Family Violence) Act 1987. An intervention order can be made where there has been harassment, property damage or assault.

www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au

Children

The physical and sexual abuse of children is a crime. Children who are victims of family violence are protected by the Child Youth and Family Act 2005, which covers instances where a child may suffer harm as a result of physical injury, sexual abuse or damage to their intellectual development.

What should I do if I suspect a child is being abused?

Any person concerned about the welfare of children may consider contacting Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Team - ChildFIRST, or Child Protection.

Child FIRST can be contacted anonymously to obtain information and/or discuss any concerns or situations that you think may put children at risk of harm.

The Child Protection service is part of the Victorian Department of Human Services. It provides child-centred, family-focused services to protect children and young people from significant harm caused by abuse or neglect within the family. It also aims to ensure children and young people receive services to deal with the impact of abuse and neglect on their well being and development.

www.dhs.vic.gov.au/everychildeverychance
www.officeforchildren.vic.gov.au/cp

HUMAN RIGHTS

WRISC endorses The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities contains an agreed set of human rights, freedoms and responsibilities protected by law. Government departments and public bodies must observe these rights when they create laws, set policies and provide services.

The Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) is an Act of Parliament that sets out our rights, freedoms and responsibilities.

Your rights are protected by the Charter:

• Recognition and equality before the law
• Right to life
• Protection from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
• Freedom from forced work
• Freedom of movement
• Privacy and reputation
• Freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief
• Freedom of expression
• Peaceful assembly and freedom of association
• Protection of families and children
• Taking part in public life
• Cultural rights
• Property rights
• Rights to liberty and security
• Humane treatment when deprived of liberty
• Children in the criminal process
• Fair hearing
• Rights in criminal Proceedings
• Right not to be tried or punished more than once
• Retrospective criminal laws

Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission. (Feb. 2007)

If you believe your rights have not been observed you can contact the Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights commission on:

Telephone free call: 1800 134 142 or (03) 9281 7111.
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au