Many victims who need mandatory protective orders are expected to pay substantial legal fees, or navigate a complex legal system alone unaided while traumatised. This creates a 2 tier system of access to safety, where protection depends on income rather than risk.

A report has found domestic abuse features in 90% of cases before the family court. Some survivors seeking non-molestation or occupation orders are forced to represent themselves facing: Complex legal rules and high legal fees to obtain necessary protection Lengthy, stressful, and often retraumatising proceedings This not only harms survivors but also places strain on an already overstretched court system.