Identifying and Responding to Family Violence Misidentification
Misidentification of the victim-survivor as the predominant aggressor (or Respondent) is common in family violence cases and can have lasting, serious impacts.
At the end of this training you will:
- Understand what misidentification is, how it occurs and the impacts on your client.
- Recognise indicators of misidentification and develop strategies to respond effectively.
- Apply the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (FVPA) alongside intersecting frameworks, such as family law, child protection, migration and criminal law, to identify the legal options available to your client.
- Understand the roles of Victoria Police and the Courts in misidentification, and how discretion and systemic factors shape outcomes .
- Apply intersectional and trauma informed practice approaches when assisting misidentified clients.
- Recognise how family violence specialists and other support services can assist lawyers in advocacy and client support in misidentification matters.
- Use non-collusive practice when working with people using violence in instances of misidentification.
Total 6 CPD units
Practitioners have previously claimed CPD points for this training in the areas of:
- Substantive Law (SL)
- Professional Skills (PS)
- Practice Management and Business Skills (PM)
It is the responsibility of each practitioner to determine if the CPD activity meets their obligations under the CPD Rules.
Who is this 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:
1. attend our Family Violence and the Law training
2. complete the VLA Client Safety Framework modules 1 to 3