Family violence

This exemption may apply to clients with either work or work preparation obligations

A client who has left a situation of family violence may be exempt from meeting all their work or work preparation obligations until they have had time to adjust to their new living circumstances. This is a full exemption.

You should talk to the regional Family Violence Response Co-ordinator before granting an exemption. You should also consider:

• Is the client living in temporary refuge accommodation while they seek a permanent home?
• Are they helping children adjust to a new family situation?

Family violence is a term used to describe violence within the family and close personal relationships.

Family violence covers a broad range of controlling behaviours which typically involve fear, intimidation and emotional deprivation.

Family violence is defined as:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• psychological abuse including but not limited to intimidation, harassment, damage to property or threats of physical, sexual or psychological abuse

Clients who have recently left situations of family or domestic violence will not have to provide proof.

If a client still needs an exemption after three months you can ask for proof. You should consult the regional Family Violence Response Co-ordinator for advice on the most appropriate way to proceed.

Proof can include statements from:

• their doctor
• their church
• their lawyer
• the police
• Women's Refuge
• any other person or organisation that is able to support the client's application