Victim-survivors of family violence in Victoria’s Barwon South West are expected to see improved access to justice and tailored support with the opening of a new Specialist Family Violence Court operating out of the Geelong Magistrates’ Court. The facility, officially opened by Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, forms part of a broader statewide effort to reshape how the justice system responds to family violence, with a focus on safety, dignity and accountability.
The Geelong-based court will hear a wide range of matters linked to family violence, including bail applications, criminal pleas and family law parenting disputes. Its design reflects a shift away from traditional court layouts, placing the experience and wellbeing of victim-survivors at the centre while maintaining a strong emphasis on due process and perpetrator accountability.
Funded through more than $77 million in government investment, the new facilities include features aimed at reducing stress and risk for those navigating the legal system during what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Separate entry and exit points are intended to minimise unwanted contact between parties, while four distinct zones for the public, court staff, the judiciary and people in custody help manage movement within the building.
Inside the court complex, safe waiting areas, private interview rooms and remote witness facilities have been incorporated to allow victim-survivors to participate in proceedings without unnecessary exposure or pressure. Child-friendly spaces have also been included, recognising that family violence cases often involve children who may attend court with parents or carers.
Demand for specialised family violence services in the Barwon South West has been strong. The Geelong Magistrates’ Court alone heard more than 15,000 cases last year, including 3,478 applications for family violence intervention orders. Court staff and support services in the region have long argued that traditional court settings were not always equipped to manage the volume or complexity of these matters, particularly when safety concerns are acute.
The Specialist Family Violence Court model aims to address these pressures by bringing together judicial expertise, support services and improved infrastructure in a single setting. While the court operates within the existing Magistrates’ Court framework, it is designed to provide a more coordinated response, with clearer pathways for victim-survivors to access legal advice, case management and therapeutic support.
Geelong joins a growing list of locations across Victoria with dedicated family violence courts. Specialist courts have already been established in 13 locations, including Shepparton, Ballarat, Moorabbin, Heidelberg and Frankston, with the most recent opening in Wyndham in November. The expansion reflects a sustained policy commitment rather than a short-term program, building on lessons learned from earlier sites.
The rollout of Specialist Family Violence Courts responds directly to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Family Violence, which called for a justice system better equipped to understand the dynamics of family violence and the needs of those affected. The Commission’s findings highlighted the risks faced by victim-survivors during legal proceedings, particularly where court processes unintentionally compounded trauma.
Victoria’s response to the Royal Commission has been extensive. The state government says it has invested more than $4 billion in family violence prevention and response and has implemented all 227 recommendations handed down by the Commission. This includes reforms well beyond the court system, spanning policing, housing, health and community services.
One of the most visible elements of this broader approach has been the rollout of the Orange Door Network, which provides a single point of access for family violence services across the state. With more than 60 locations now operating, the network has supported over half a million Victorians, including more than 200,000 children. These services are intended to work alongside the court system, offering early intervention and ongoing support before, during and after legal proceedings.
In the most recent state budget, a further $172 million was allocated to initiatives aimed at keeping women and children safe, strengthening accountability measures and improving access to legal and therapeutic services. The funding package includes support for case management, counselling and legal assistance, reflecting recognition that court outcomes alone do not resolve the longer-term impacts of family violence.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny described the Geelong court as an important addition to the justice landscape in the region. She said the facility would provide meaningful support to victim-survivors and their families while reinforcing expectations around perpetrator behaviour. Courts, she noted, can be intimidating environments, particularly for people already dealing with trauma, and the Specialist Family Violence Court model seeks to reduce those barriers.
Ms Kilkenny also pointed to the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe and respected when engaging with the legal system. The design of the Geelong court, she said, reflects an understanding that the physical environment can influence how people experience justice, from their willingness to give evidence to their sense of being heard.
While advocates have welcomed the expansion of specialist courts, many continue to stress the importance of ongoing evaluation. Demand for family violence services remains high across Victoria, and pressures on courts, police and support agencies have not eased. Some legal and community groups have called for continued investment in prevention and early intervention, alongside improvements in court capacity.
The Specialist Family Violence Court model does not operate in isolation. Its effectiveness depends on close coordination with police, prosecutors, legal representatives and community-based services. Supporters argue that when these elements align, outcomes improve for victim-survivors and risks are better managed. Critics, meanwhile, caution that infrastructure upgrades must be matched by sufficient staffing and resourcing to avoid bottlenecks.
For communities in the Barwon South West, the opening of the Geelong court represents a practical change rather than an abstract policy shift. People who previously travelled long distances or navigated crowded court lists may now find a system better attuned to their circumstances. For victim-survivors, that can mean less time waiting, fewer distressing encounters and clearer access to support.
The court will begin hearing matters immediately, drawing on judicial officers and staff trained in family violence issues. Over time, its impact will be measured not only by case numbers but by whether victim-survivors feel safer engaging with the justice system and whether perpetrators are held to account in ways that reduce repeat offending.
As Victoria continues to refine its response to family violence, the Geelong Specialist Family Violence Court stands as another step in a long-term effort to align policy intent with lived experience. Its success will ultimately be judged by the people who walk through its doors, often at moments of crisis, seeking protection, fairness and a sense that the system is capable of responding with care and resolve.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
