The court has been designed to provide greater security, comfort and choice for people experiencing family violence and includes separate court entrances for victim survivors, safe waiting spaces and interview rooms, remote witness facilities, child-friendly spaces and culturally safe spaces.

Specialist magistrates at the court have the power to mandate counselling and other services such as men’s behaviour change programs, which help to promote safety by holding men accountable for their use of violence towards family members.

All specialist staff working at the court take part in ongoing family violence learning and development to ensure they are well equipped to meet the needs of people living with family violence.

The Moorabbin facility is one of five Specialist Family Violence Courts rolling out across Victoria. Family Violence Courts are already operational at Shepparton and Ballarat, with Heidelberg and Frankston set to open next year.

The project delivers on key recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence and ensures consistency in family violence functions and services across courts.