Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre

“Now I don’t have to keep looking over my shoulder. I feel free.” - Rochelle*, Sunshine Hospital legal outreach clinic client

Following escalating physical and psychological abuse from an ex-partner, Rochelle* made an application for an IVO against him. But when Rochelle wasn’t informed about a follow-up court date that required her attendance, her failure to appear resulted in the application being thrown out.

A new fear for her life only compounded the impact of pre-existing long-term mental and physical health problems, and before Rochelle could file another application for her safety, she became too unwell to go anywhere.

While a patient at Sunshine Hospital, a BMCLC Family Violence Lawyer was able to discretely meet with and advocate for Rochelle, which resulted in an indefinite IVO being granted to protect her.

She told us: “Now I don’t have to keep looking over my shoulder. I feel free. Thank you.”

This legal clinic operates as a partnership between BMCLC and Western Health at Sunshine Hospital and provides assistance to victims of family violence. For more information call BMCLC on (1800 266 675).