We have today launched the new My safety: options before and after relationship separation online tool. It provides easy to understand information about family violence, children, money and property, separation and divorce, tailored to individual situations.
'We developed this tool My safety: options before and after relationship separation to help people experiencing family violence to identify and understand their legal needs, and the next steps available to them', said Leanne Sinclair, Associate Director Family Violence
'It was designed in consultation with people with lived experience of family violence, child protection and legal issues. They contributed to the types of information available within the tool and how it works.
We understand that relationship separation is challenging, particularly for people experiencing family violence. Access to relevant information in a timely and safe way can assist people through these situations.
Designing and developing digital tools with people with lived experience can be done successfully, to meet the varying needs and capabilities of the community. This latest tool is part of our ongoing journey to design and develop different ways to provide legal information to Victorians, including in a safe online space.
'Many people considering separation and experiencing family violence do not know they might benefit from legal assistance – this will help them identify if they would.
The concept for this tool was based on feedback from clients and sector partners, particularly in the family violence space, as well as our commitment to ongoing development of digital pathways to simplify and tailor legal information for help-seekers', said Leanne.
Thanks to the lived experience advisors who worked on this project, and the Department of Justice and Community Safety who helped fund the project. We hope to see it improve access to legal information for people considering separation.
More information
Access My safety: options before and after relationship separation
Reviewed 23 May 2023