Australian law – POTENSURE PTY LTD

https://www.potensure.com.au Mon, 15 Jan 2018 06:46:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.potensure.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cropped-logo-1-3-32x32.png Australian law – POTENSURE PTY LTD – STUDENT SERVICES https://www.potensure.com.au 32 32 Criminal offences https://www.potensure.com.au/dwkb/criminal-offences/ https://www.potensure.com.au/dwkb/criminal-offences/#respond Sun, 03 Dec 2017 08:05:09 +0000 http://potensure.com.au/?post_type=dwkb&p=1851

Criminal offences

A crime is any behaviour or act that is against the law and may result in punishment.

Serious crimes include murder, assault, sexual assault, property damage or theft, armed robbery, having sexual relations with children or young people who are below the legal age of consent, driving dangerously, possession, use or sale of illegal drugs, and fraud. It is a serious offence to bribe (offer money to) or attempt to bribe an official, such as a police officer or a federal, state or local government employee. Offering gifts or bribes to influence the decisions of public officials is illegal and will be reported.

Owning or carrying weapons, such as guns, without a licence is illegal. Most states and territories have restrictions on carrying other potential weapons in public, such as knives.

In an emergency or if you or someone is in immediate danger, telephone 000 and ask for “Police”. See Chapter 2, Get Help.

If you have seen a crime or if you have information that may help police solve or prevent a crime, you should contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.com.au or call 1800 333 000. You do not have to give your name.

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Violence

Violence towards another person is illegal in Australia and is regarded as a serious crime. A person who commits violent crimes can go to jail, whether they are a man or a woman.

Various services exist to support victims of crime or violence, including violence in the home (domestic and family violence).

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Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault

Domestic and family violence includes behaviour or threats that aim to control a partner or other family member by causing fear or threatening their safety. Domestic and family violence is against the law in Australia. It can include:

hitting, choking or hurting the family member or partner
denying essential money to the family member or partner
isolating the partner from friends and family
constantly insulting or criticising the partner
threatening children or pets.

Sexual assault is sexual behaviour directed towards another person without their consent. Sexual assault includes:

In Australia, it is against the law to sexually assault anyone. A person who commits sexual assault can go to jail, whether they are a man or a woman. Sexual assault between people in a relationship, marriage or family is also against the law.

Women have the same rights as men. Australian laws treat women and men equally. Everyone has the right to live free from violence, in a happy relationship and community. Women do not have to accept being treated badly or harmed.

If you or someone you know is in danger, telephone 000 and ask for “Police”. Police in Australia are safe and can be trusted.

The Family Safety Pack helps you to understand your rights and where to get support if you need it. There are culturally sensitive counselling services in Australia and it is acceptable to ask them for help. The pack is available in a range of translated languages at www.dss.gov.au/family-safety-pack

1800 RESPECT provides free, confidential telephone and online counselling and information. Counsellors will listen to you, answer questions and can refer you to other support services in your local area. Call 1800 737 732 or go to www.1800respect.org.au

MensLine is a counselling service that assists men to manage family and relationship difficulties including issues of violence. Phone 1300 789 978 or go to www.mensline.org.au

If you need an interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) for free on 131 450. TIS National does not provide counselling but can help you to communicate with other services.

Region

Domestic and Family Violence Service

Telephone

National

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault – 24 Hour Help Lines or
www.1800respect.org.au

1800 200 526 or
1800 737 732

National

Child Abuse Prevention Service – 24 Hour Help Line or www.childabuseprevention.com.au/reporting-abuse.html

1800 688 009

National

Mensline Australia – 24 Hour Help Line
www.mensline.org.au

1300 789 978

National

Men’s Referral Service http://mrs.org.au

1800 200 526 or
1800 737 732

ACT

Domestic Violence Crisis Line
http://dvcs.org.au

02 6280 0900

NSW

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service – Sydney Advice Line www.wlsnsw.org.au/legal-services/domestic-violence-legal-service

02 8745 6999

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service – Free calls outside Sydney

1800 810 784

Community Services Domestic Violence Line www.community.nsw.gov.au/parents,-carers-and-families/domestic-and-family-violence/domestic-violence-line

1800 656 463

Crisis Line
www.ncsmc.org.au/wsas/resources/res_nt.htm

1800 019 116

Domestic Violence Counselling Service www.dawnhouse.org.au/domestic-violence-counselling-service

08 8945 6200

Qld

Women’s Help Line
www.dvconnect.org/womensline

1800 811 811

Men’s Help Line www.dvconnect.org/mensline/

1800 600 636

Domestic Violence Crisis Services
www.sa.gov.au/topics/emergencies-and-safety/safety-at-home-and-in-the-community/domestic-violence

1300 782 200

Domestic Violence Help Line www.1800respect.org.au/common-questions/who-can-i-talk-to-about-domestic-family-violence-or-sexual-assault/south-australia-counselling-services/

1800 800 098

Tas.

Family Violence
www.dpac.tas.gov.au/safehomessafefamilies

1800 633 937

Response and Referral –

Counselling and Support Service

www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/service_information/children_and_families/ family_violence_counselling_and_support_service

1800 608 122

Vic.

Eastern Domestic Violence Service
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
http://edvos.org.au/what-we-do

03 9322 3555

Immigrant Women’s Domestic Violence Service
www.iwss.org.au

1800 755 988

Counselling and Support www.safesteps.org.au

1800 015 188

Men’s Referral Service, Richmond,
Free call in Vic.
http://mrs.org.au/about

1800 065 973

Men’s Referral Service, Richmond, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm

03 9428 2899

Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service
www.dcp.wa.gov.au/CrisisAndEmergency/Pages/Women%27s-Domestic-Violence-Helpline.aspx

1800 007 339

Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service Calls from outside Perth

08 9223 1188

Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline
www.dcp.wa.gov.au/CrisisAndEmergency/Pages/Men%27s-Domestic-Violence-Helpline.aspx

1800 000 599

]]> https://www.potensure.com.au/dwkb/domestic-and-family-violence-and-sexual-assault/feed/ 0 The legal age of consent https://www.potensure.com.au/dwkb/the-legal-age-of-consent/ https://www.potensure.com.au/dwkb/the-legal-age-of-consent/#respond Sun, 03 Dec 2017 08:03:32 +0000 http://potensure.com.au/?post_type=dwkb&p=1844

The legal age of consent

The legal age of consent is the age that the law says you can agree (consent) to have sex with another person.

In most states and territories the legal age of consent is 16 years of age for both men and women. In South Australia and Tasmania it is 17 years of age.

It is illegal for an adult to have sex with children who are below the age of consent. There are serious penalties for anyone breaking these laws, regardless of whether or not the child has agreed. These laws protect young people from sexual exploitation.

You can find out more by talking to a doctor, or contacting a sexual health clinic or family planning clinic, which are listed in the White Pages.

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Rights of children

Australia has a strong commitment to protecting the rights of children.

Children are protected by law from physical, sexual and emotional abuse, neglect and violence, both at home and at school. Reasonable arrangements must be made for the supervision and care of children. Physical discipline such as hitting is discouraged, and if it causes significant harm, is illegal. Physical discipline is not allowed in schools.

In Australia, some people, like doctors and teachers, are required to report to state and territory child protection authorities if they are concerned a child is being harmed.

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Child protection

Where a practice harms or is likely to harm a child or young person, child protection services may become involved to ensure children’s safety and wellbeing. If you or someone you know needs protection from violence or abuse, you should contact the police or a child protection service.

For more information:

Region

Child protection agencies and websites

Telephone 24 hour service

National

Child Abuse Prevention Services
www.childabuseprevention.com.au

1800 688 009

ACT

ACT Government Community Services www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ocyfs

1300 556 729

NSW

Community Services Helpline
www.community.nsw.gov.au/preventing-child-abuse-and-neglect

132 111

Department of Children and Families https://nt.gov.au/law/crime/report-child-abuse

1800 700 250

Qld

Department of Communities, Child Safety and

Disability Services

www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety/ child-safety-services

1800 700 250

Department for Education and Child Development www.families.sa.gov.au/pages/ protectingchildren/ HowToNotify

131 478

Tas.

Department of Health and Human Services Hotline www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/children/ child_protection_services

1300 737 639

Vic.

Department of Human Services – Child Protection www.dhs.vic.gov.au/for-individuals/children,-families-and-young-people/child-protection

131 278

Department for Child Protection and Family Support
www.dcp.wa.gov.au/pages/home.aspx

1800 199 008

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Forced marriage

Everyone in Australia is free to choose whether they marry. Forcing anybody to get married is a crime in Australia. A forced marriage is when a person gets married without fully and freely consenting, because they have been threatened, coerced or deceived.

Nobody is allowed to physically, emotionally, or psychologically pressure anyone to get married. It doesn’t matter what the person’s religious or ethnic background is, their gender or sexual orientation or how old they are.

It is also illegal to take or send a person to another country for the purposes of forcing them to marry, or to have someone else organise this.

Children under 16 years are not allowed to marry. People between 16 and 18 years of age can only marry with parental consent and with an Australian court order from a judge or magistrate authorising the marriage.

Arranged marriages are legal in Australia. Both parties must consent.

To learn more about forced marriage and how you can protect yourself and others when seeking help, go to www.ag.gov.au/forcedmarriage

The Family Safety Pack (www.dss.gov.au/family-safety-pack) includes a factsheet on forced and early marriage.

If you think that somebody is in, or is at risk of, a forced marriage, contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 237.

The following organisations may also be able to help:

Region

Child protection agencies and websites

Telephone 24 hour service

National

National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service
www.1800respect.org.au

1800 737 732

National

fcoaweb/family-law-matters/getting-help/migrants-refugees-language-support”>Family Law Information http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/ connect/fcoaweb/ family-law-matters/getting-help/migrants-refugees-language-support

1300 352 000

National / NSW

Anti-Slavery Australia
www.antislavery.org.au

02 9514 9662

National / NSW

My Blue Sky
www.mybluesky.org.au

02 9515 8815 or 0481 070 844 (text)

Vic.

Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights
www.ausmuslimwomenscentre.org.au

03 9481 3000

]]> https://www.potensure.com.au/dwkb/forced-marriage/feed/ 0 Female reproductive health and rights https://www.potensure.com.au/dwkb/female-reproductive-health-and-rights/ https://www.potensure.com.au/dwkb/female-reproductive-health-and-rights/#respond Sun, 03 Dec 2017 08:01:24 +0000 http://potensure.com.au/?post_type=dwkb&p=1833

Female reproductive health and rights

The practice of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is illegal in Australia.

FGM/C includes any procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs, that is performed for non-medical reasons.

It is also illegal to take or send a person to another country to have FGM/C performed on that person, or to have someone else organise this.

FGM/C can have serious and long-lasting consequences. Women and girls arriving in Australia may have health problems due to the practice.

The specialist services listed below can help:

Region

Female reproductive rights service

Telephone

National

National Education Toolkit for FGM/C in Australia
www.netfa.com.au

ACT

Sexual Health and Family Planning www.shfpact.org.au

02 6247 3077

Women’s Health Service
www.health.act.gov.au/our-services/women-youth-and-children/womens-health-service

02 6205 1078

NSW

Women’s Information and Referral Service www.women.nsw.gov.au

1800 817 227

Education Program on FGM
http://www.dhi.health.nsw.gov.au/NSW-Education-Program-on-Female-Genital-Mutilation/NSW-Education-Program-on-Female-Genital-Mutilation/default.aspx

02 9840 3877

Sexual Assault Referral Centre www.health.nt.gov.au/ sexual_assault_services

Darwin Alice Springs

08 8922 6472
08 8955 4500

Family Planning Welfare Association
www.fpwnt.com.au

08 8948 0144

Qld

Family Planning Queensland (True) www.fpq.com.au or www.true.org.au

07 3250 0240

Multicultural Women’s Health – FGM
www.true.org.au/resources/resources-overview/multicultural-womens-health-female-genital-mutilation-fgm

07 3250 0240

Women’s Information Service www.wis.sa.gov.au

1800 188 158

Tas.

Red Cross – Bicultural Community Health Program www.redcross.org.au/bi-cultural-health.aspx

Child protection service www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/children/ child_protection_services

1300 737 639

Tasmania police www.police.tas.gov.au

131 444

Crime stoppers
http://crimestopperstas.com.au

1800 333 000

Vic.

Royal Women’s Hospital https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/ Rural free call

03 8345 3058

South Eastern Centre Against Sexual Assault www.secasa.com.au
Freecall– 24 Hours
Crisis

1800 806 292

03 9594 2289

Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights http://ausmuslimwomenscentre.org.au/2014/ a-guide-for-responsible-reporting-on-female-genital-cutting

03 9481 3000

Women’s Information Service
www.communities.wa.gov.au/communities-in-focus/women/womens-information-service/Pages/default.aspx
Freecall, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm

1800 199 174

WA Health, FGM Program

www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/ health_professionals/WHCSP/gbv.php

08 9340 1557

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Firearms and Knives

Carrying weapons such as knives or guns is against the law in Australia. You must have a license to carry or own a gun.

There are usually age restrictions on gun use and the sale of guns or knives to minors. Each state and territory has different arrangements and laws about gun use and ownership.

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Animals and Wildlife

Hunting native animals and hunting any animal in national parks or other nature reserves is generally not allowed.

Hunting and fishing laws vary between states and territories and you should check what applies to your area. You may be able to hunt feral animals in some regions. You may need to have a license or permit or to pay a fee to hunt, and any weapons you use will need to be licensed.

Recreational fishing in the ocean or in rivers may be allowed, usually with a permit or license. There are generally limits on the size and number of fish you may catch.

Australia has laws to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. People who mistreat animals and birds can be fined or imprisoned, or both. Local laws allow animals to be kept at home but you generally need a special license to keep Australian native animals.

It is forbidden to kill animals in the backyard.

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