Family violence

When a client has advised they are a victim of family violence, extra care must be taken when considering if a relationship with another adult exists and the impact the violence has on the relationship. If the client only stays with the other adult because they are fearful or powerless, then they are not in a de facto relationship for benefit purposes.

Note that if you believe a client has been, or is likely to be harmed (physically, emotionally or sexually), ill treated, abused, neglected or deprived, discuss the situation with your local Family Violence Response Co-ordinator.

When determining if a client is in a relationship you will need to consider if the required level of emotional commitment is present.

Before making a decision, you should encourage your client to provide proof of the family violence. This may include:

• the client's health practitioner
• statements from family and friends
• Police reports
• Community Family Violence prevention agency (eg Women's Refuge)
• Court papers
• a social worker
• the client's church
• any other reputable person or organisation that is in a position to support a client's statement

When the client provides proof of the family violence you must then consider whether a relationship with another adult exists.

Where the client is unable to provide written proof of the family violence, you should consult with your regional family violence response co-ordinator for advice.

From this discussion you should make a recommendation whether the client is in a relationship with another adult or not, to your manager client service delivery for sign off.