Plus One - Jul 3 2025

Plus One – Jul 3 | Family Violence–Myths, facts, and the importance of Patterns. A Plus One event in Adelaide.

One of the hottest topics in family law currently is family violence. 

Traditionally this would be of interest to those involved with child related matters but with recent amendments extending family violence considerations to property matters, all lawyers need to have an understanding of this topic. 

Dr Phil Watts has 35 years’ experience working in both the criminal and family court jurisdictions assessing risk. 

He has assessed men and women who have stalked, murdered, or harmed partners.   

He also has worked with adults and children who have the lived experience of being victims of family violence. 

At the moment the media is in frenzied state around violence issues so some of the myths and facts are addressed to set a context. 

He then explains what is family violence and discusses how checklists of behaviours may or may not represent genuine concern of risk. 

Of particular note, the issue of diagnostic dilution is discussed as practitioners seek to fit family violence definitions to their case.  

The importance of recognising patterns and significance of context is emphasised as a way of determining true risk. 

To finish, this presentation reminds attendees that we are working in a high-risk environment and discusses some ways to address our personal safety and support colleagues while engaged in this important work. 

Dr Phil is an engaging speaker who will provide clear and helpful information in a dynamic fashion.