Daniel, in his late 40s, tragically lost his long-term partner of 15 years. A short time after, he moved in with Sarah and her hearing-impaired teenage son, but they were evicted from the property shortly after. Daniel moved to another property with Sarah’s son. Sarah did not move in, nor did she contribute to any household costs. Daniel considered the relationship had ended.

Allegations of domestic violence were reported to police at the time of eviction and Daniel identified as the respondent and aggrieved. Cross applications of DV were made by both parties and one breach of DV for Daniel. Sarah included an ouster order from the property, which was granted and Daniel became homeless. Daniel was then referred to Court Plus for Men by Caxton’s FASS social worker.

The Court Plus for Men social worker ascertained goals for Daniel, helped him to understand the court processes, assessed his housing options and provided referrals for legal advice to Caxton’s domestic violence services, to counselling discussions around DV, and to an alcohol education program.

Our social worker emotionally supported Daniel to work through all service interventions, alongside regularly engaging him in discussions on understanding domestic violence and its impacts, and creating healthy relationships.

Cross orders of domestic violence and of good behavior were made and Daniel’s domestic violence breach was dismissed. Daniel moved back into his property by himself, is no longer drinking, is learning new skills and began talking openly about self-improvement with others. Daniel was very thankful and reflected that this was the ‘… perfect support, things are easier and I’m not in that place anymore, you saved me’.