Published: 27 November 2024

Legislative Council, Wednesday 20 November 2024

Ms FORREST question to MINISTER for WOMEN and the PREVENTION of FAMILY VIOLENCE, Ms PALMER

The Safe at Home program provides an integrated response to families and children who experience family violence. However, this is not available to children who are victims in their own right if their relationship is not recognised as significant in the eyes of the law. They have to be over 16 years of age and meet other criteria that someone else uses to make a determination of the significance of their relationship.

This means that young people are unable to be protected by FVOs or PFVOs, and that the integrated supports offered to others are unavailable to them. It is clear from Dr Hobbs's research that these relationships are significant and children are in danger. What is the government doing to ensure these young people are provided with formal protection?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the member for the question. My understanding is that the Safe at Homes program sits within the police portfolio with the police minister. Could I take your question on notice and get some fulsome information for you and bring it back to the House?

Ms Forrest - Sure.

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