Protecting people from violence is a significant role of Australian laws. The protection of women and children from domestic violence is a topic often covered in the media. Sexual assault is another. A recent report is hoped to be a step forward in addressing inconsistencies or areas for improvement in our State and Federal laws. Many Family laws intersect or cross over with other laws which can create confusion.

The joint Australian Law Reform and New South Wales Law Reform Commissions delivered their final report to the Attorney General on 10 October 2010. The report was released to the public in November 2010.

This 1,500 page, 2 volume report sought to comprehensively review the various Federal and State Laws. It's objective was reducing violence in the community and particularly in relation to women and children.  

This process is one of the ways in which changes to laws are made in Australia.  This comprehensive review of the existing laws identifies weaknesses and areas of potential improvement and then made 186 recommendations for improvement.

Areas include confidentiality, rape, family dispute resolution, bail, trial process, homicide, breach of protection orders. For the full text of the report click here