Specialist Family Violence Court Report
During this reporting period the Ballarat Specialist Family Violence Court officially opened in December 2019 and BGCLS received additional funding to provide duty lawyer services in line with this new model. With an additional regular sitting day added, BGCLS now provide Duty Lawyer services every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Recruitment of dedicated family violence lawyers commenced also as we started reshaping the assistance provided with the aim to provide specialist family violence services and increased continuity for clients.
It is impossible to avoid stating the obvious, which is that COVID-19 has impacted significantly on our service delivery and disrupted the planned changes following the commencement of the Specialist Family Violence Court. However, as a result of these disruptions BGCLS has, in cooperation with the Ballarat Specialist Family Violence Court and Victoria Legal Aid, moved towards proactively contacting clients prior to court hearings. As a service we have seen this as immensely beneficial and have received positive feedback from clients. This is a move that we hope to continue beyond the disruptions caused by COVID-19. BGCLS therefore look forward to building on these services to continue to improve the experiences of family violence clients in 2020/2021.
It is impossible to avoid stating the obvious, which is that COVID-19 has impacted significantly on our service delivery and disrupted the planned changes following the commencement of the Specialist Family Violence Court. However, as a result of these disruptions BGCLS has, in cooperation with the Ballarat Specialist Family Violence Court and Victoria Legal Aid, moved towards proactively contacting clients prior to court hearings. As a service we have seen this as immensely beneficial and have received positive feedback from clients. This is a move that we hope to continue beyond the disruptions caused by COVID-19. BGCLS therefore look forward to building on these services to continue to improve the experiences of family violence clients in 2020/2021.
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BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
To find out more about the service please follow this link: About Us
BGCLS Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the region we service, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders past present and emerging.
Many images of Ballarat and surrounds by photographer, Andrew Thomas. Visit Andrew's website to see more of his beautiful images - http://www.andrewthomasphotographer.com/