Domestic Violence Courts

In reply to the Hon. D.G.E. HOOD ().16 October 2024).

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State): The Family Violence Court is a specialist court in the South Australian Magistrates Court which has been operating over the last 20 years. The court hears criminal matters connected with domestic and family violence and abuse as well as the issuing of intervention orders. Family Violence Courts operate at the Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Elizabeth, Christies Beach, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and Whyalla Magistrates Courts. The court has dedicated family violence magistrates and prosecutors who oversee the list.

Police Issued Interim Intervention Orders (PIIO's) have prioritised court hearings over non-DV matters whereby after the issuing of an interim intervention order by the police officer or court, the respondent will be required to appear in court within eight days. Where there is no PIIO in place, new applications for an intervention order are listed for preliminary hearing before a magistrate as soon as practicable.