Family violence, gender and law

This unit focuses legal responses to the pervasive problem of family violence. It considers the nature and adequacy of our laws in preventing, identifying and responding to gendered family violence. The unit is structured around four themes

1. gender, violence and prevention
2. separation
3. children and
4. harm

Students will examine areas of law relevant to family violence issues and legal processes designed to prevent and respond to family violence issues including family law, criminal law, civil protection orders and human rights law. A focus of attention will be on the appropriateness and quality of various formal and informal processes in cases of family violence. Students will also explore the role of legal professionals in the prevention, identification, mitigation, and punishment of family violence. Drawing from knowledge gained in the unit, students will develop a law and policy reform research report supported by the Unit Coordinator, with input from other staff as appropriate.