Published: June 2021

New family violence kit out now

Silhouette of young woman experiencing family violence holding a young child against sunset background

Helpful resource on tenancy laws for community workers

Tenants Victoria’s new edition of the Family Violence Protection Tenancy Kit is completely updated to incorporate the strengthened measures for those affected by family violence in Victoria’s new tenancy laws, said Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Beveridge.

‘COVID-19 has made crystal clear the importance of our home as our sanctuary. Yet we know that most community agencies that deal with family violence experienced a surge in demand for their services during the pandemic,’ Ms Beveridge said.

‘’Our completely revised kit, targeted at the audience of community workers, will prove useful at this time of greater need.

“‘If you are feeling any threat to you or your family you need to be safe, whatever type of accommodation you live in.’’

The kit, which aims to help people in rental housing know their rights, have a secure home and limit any financial loss, was prepared by an expert team of lawyers and editors.

‘The informative Family Violence Protection Tenancy Kit is a valuable resource for support workers and advocates who assist people affected by family violence or personal violence,’ said Agata Wierzbowski, Tenants Victoria’s Director of Legal Services.

“It is a comprehensive and highly practical guide, from the perspective of tenancy law, to topics such as changing the locks and getting the perpetrator of family violence taken off the rental agreement (lease).

‘It is designed to provide detailed technical information for community workers to help them assist people affected by family violence. However, it also includes step-by-step examples to help renters affected by family violence who need to apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for orders, to fill out the applications themselves.

‘The illustrated examples cover matters such as protecting the renter’s part of the bond from claims arising from actions of the perpetrator and challenging a notice to vacate the property from the rental provider (landlord) that was triggered by the perpetrator’s behaviour.’

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