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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Politics
Tory Shepherd

Domestic violence perpetrators are weaponising subpoenas and advocates want Australia’s law changed to stop it

Greens senator Larissa Waters
Greens senator Larissa Waters says ‘attempting to weaponise a person’s confidential records through the family court is an obvious abuse of power and privilege.’ Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Domestic violence perpetrators are weaponising subpoenas from family court proceedings to gain access to their victims’ personal information, including counselling notes, medical details and addresses.

In child custody battles, parties can request up to five subpoenas, which are almost automatically issued by the courts. The information can be given to the abuser even if it will not be used in court.

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