Family Violence Restraining Order
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Those of you around the same age as Lawyer Ren may recall a long-running TV drama called “Don’t Speak to Strangers.”
That series told the story of Dr. An—renowned as the perfect gentleman—who secretly abused his wife, tearing their family apart.
Behind Dr. An’s polished exterior lurked a violent streak: his ever-present smile, the increasingly brutal beatings he inflicted on his wife, and his nearly obsessive need to control her. The character of “Dr. An” became a nightmare for many viewers.
You ask how deeply that role resonated? Actor Feng Yuanzheng reportedly avoided crowds to prevent recognition. When fans still spotted him, they would warn him not to hit his wife, and on one occasion “righteous” strangers even slashed his car tires.
If you haven’t seen it, look it up online—preferably not alone.
This decade-old drama was ahead of its time, exposing the dark reality of domestic violence to a prime-time audience.
Unfortunately, domestic violence persists. Its private, hidden nature allows it to grow unseen.
Domestic violence is not unique to any one culture. A 2016 study found that in Australia, one in three women has experienced domestic violence, and one in four has suffered emotional abuse from a partner.
It has become a social cancer in Australia, especially in isolated immigrant families.
Today we discuss how to protect yourself legally when threatened with violence.
First, call the police.
When you dial 000 in an emergency, the police response is impressively swift.
Beyond immediate protection, that 000 call creates an official record—a crucial piece of evidence for any future court proceedings.
Next, consider applying for a Violence Restraining Order.
These applications require detailed evidence and involve a court hearing. Once granted, the order is powerful: it can prohibit the respondent from approaching you, entering your home or workplace, contacting you by any means, or even posting targeted messages online.
A breach of the order can lead to arrest and criminal charges—providing a battered victim with a necessary respite and a legal way out of the cycle of abuse.
I hope you never face such painful circumstances.
See you next issue.
Editor’s Note:
Mr Ren is originally from Guangzhou, China and has practised for many years. He is now the Principal Lawyer at LJR Legal.
Embracing modern technology, speaking the languages of our Chinese community, and serving as your dedicated legal advisor has been Mr Ren’s mission throughout his career.
As a full-service practitioner, in addition to his deep expertise in Family Law, Mr Ren also specialises in:
- Contract Law
- Intellectual Property Law & Trademark Registration
- Commercial Litigation
- Corporations Law & Corporate Governance/Compliance
- Debt Collection
- Creditor’s Bankruptcy Petition & Corporate Liquidation
- Employment Law
- Immigration Law & representation in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and Federal Circuit Court of Australia
- Criminal Law
- Wills & Estate Planning
- Business & Property Conveyancing
- …and many more.
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Phone: 08 6163 3699
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Disclaimer: This column provides general legal discussion only. The text, images, and any content herein do not constitute legal advice, nor does Mr Ren intend by this column to advise its readers. If you require advice tailored to your circumstances, please arrange a confidential one-on-one consultation with Mr Ren. Neither this column, the magazine, nor Mr Ren accepts liability for any loss arising from anyone’s use of its content.