Identifying and responding to family violence misidentification

Misidentification of the victim survivor as the predominant aggressor (or Respondent) is a common issue lawyers see in family violence cases. It often causes lasting and devastating impacts for the client. This training will equip lawyers with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to misidentification within a trauma-informed and culturally safe approach.

At the end of the training, you will:

Understand what misidentification is, how it occurs and the impacts on your client, including intersections with other legal issues.

Identify misidentification, and respond effectively.

Apply legal frameworks and know options available to your client.

Understand the roles of Victoria Police and the Courts in cases of misidentification.

Apply trauma-informed practices.

Use an intersectional and culturally safe approach in responding to the impacts of structural inequality and misidentification within certain population groups.

Recognise the role of non-legal supports in strengthening misidentification advocacy and client support.

Use non-collusive practice when working with people using violence in instances of misidentification.

Who is this for?

This training is for generalist lawyers employed in community legal centres. Participants will need foundational knowledge of identifying and responding to family violence risk and of the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic).

If you do not have this knowledge, we strongly recommend that you first either: