Breaches of family violence intervention orders are one of the fastest growing offences in Victoria, so understanding who breaches and why, is important for agencies that provide services to both respondents and applicants.

This paper identifies the common characteristics of respondents who receive legal assistance when charged with breach of a family violence intervention order. It also analyses the characteristics of clients who have received legal assistance multiple times when charged with breaching a family violence order.

The paper reinforces the need to ensure:

• people charged with breaches receive appropriate legal advice
• orders are tailored to the circumstances of each client
• that we make appropriate referrals to other agencies, including non-legal agencies if necessary.

Providing appropriate legal advice and support may help increase the rate of compliance with family violence intervention orders, reduce recidivism and increase safety for victims.

The research draws on data relating to Victoria Legal Aid clients exclusively, however the findings are consistent with international studies of those breaching intervention orders and these are noted in the report.

The research report was launched on 18 February 2016 by the Attorney-General, the Honourable Martin Pakula and Victoria Legal Aid's Managing Director Bevan Warner, followed by a panel discussion with:

• Deputy Chief Magistrate Felicity Broughton, Magistrates’ Court of Victoria Supervising Magistrate for Family Violence and Family Law
• Assistant Police Commissioner Dean McWhirter, Victoria Police Head of Family Violence Command
• Jacqui Watt, No to Violence Chief Executive Officer
• Annette Gillespie, Safe Steps Chief Executive Officer.

Listen to the highlights of their discussion, presented by Alison Caldwell, as the panel explore the significance of the research.