A family friend Janet and her children recently fled home to escape her violent husband Ian. Real names have not been used in this story.
Janet married Ian who seemed nice but as time progressed Ian revealed an abusive side. His behavior worsened due to spiraling substance abuse and his rage became directly at the family. One day Ian exploded and assaulted one of the children and Janet was forced to flee the family public housing property.
After a traumatic incident, Janet has now become a victim of the ACT justice system. The assault was referred to police who took statements but took no further action. ACT housing advised Janet to seek an AVO for self protection and allowing an eviction. The court granted the AVO, however Ian successfully appealed against the eviction.
With Christmas approaching Janet and the kids are now homeless and living off the generosity of family and friends. After having their lives turned upside down they now face a long wait for public housing. Ian is now enjoying a publicly funded family sized house all to himself.
How is it than a modern society can allow such an injustice? The police and ACT courts should be ashamed. With public housing in ACT such a scarce resource how could any court justify such a decision against the innocent victims? Even despite Ian’s appalling behavior how is one person eligible for a family sized property?