Domestic & Family Violence and Family Law - August 2021 Lockdown
Canberra has entered a seven-day lockdown commencing 5pm Thursday 12 August 2021.
People in Canberra can only leave the house for essential reasons, including employment, healthcare, to obtain groceries and one hour of exercise every day.
They have asked people to stay within their local area.
Domestic and Family Violence
Lockdown restrictions do not prevent you leaving the home if you are at risk of family and domestic violence.
Essential services
In an emergency, please call Police on 000.
The Domestic Violence Crisis Service will remain open during this time 02 6280 0900.
1800Respect also remains open 1800 737 732.
Parenting Orders
Court orders are legally binding and should be followed. Even under the current circumstances, you are still required to meet your obligations.
Children are able to travel between homes during lockdown where there is shared care.
Interstate handovers may be subject to border restrictions and quarantine periods and it may not be possible to comply with these at the current time.
If you can’t comply with the Orders, for example, because of border restrictions or because where you usually conduct handovers is closed, you should try to reach an alternative solution with the other parent or carer if it is safe to do so.
The Family Court expects parents to find a practical solution and be sensible and reasonable with the other parent. For more detailed information from the Court, please see here.
Any agreement about how arrangements will adjusted should be in writing, if they are only for a short period of time. Writing can include email or text.
Keep a copy of your Parenting Orders with you. If you do not have a copy of your Orders please arrange a copy from the Commonwealth Courts Portal.
Get Help
The Centre is delivering services during the August Lockdown.
If you feel unsafe to conduct negotiations with the other parent, or have any questions about your current circumstances, please telephone the Centre for assistance.
You can ring our Advice and Intake Line on 02 6257 4377, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
You can also request assistance through here. You can also download this factsheet here.
The Family Relationships Advice Line may also be able to assist parents to negotiate any changes 1800 050 321.