Toxic relationship incurs debt

When Shanti first came to PCLC she had over $13,000 in outstanding fines debt. These fines were actually incurred by her abusive ex-partner, Travis, who would drive the vehicle which had registered in Shanti’s name. Shanti knew that Travis was incurring fines and infringements in her name but she felt powerless to stop him. Asking him to pay the fines may put her at risk of further violence.

PCLC assisted Shanti in preparing support documents, obtaining medical certificates, obtaining a Family Violence Intervention Order and applying to Fines Victoria under the Family Violence Scheme. Ultimately, all of Shanti’s outstanding fines were revoked and withdrawn.

In addition to her fines, Shanti also owed a significant civil debt to one of Melbourne’s toll-road operators. With Shanti’s instructions, PCLC was able to seek a waiver of the debt, again on the basis that the tolls had in fact been incurred by her ex-partner. The support materials we had helped prepare for Shanti in respect of her FVS application were instrumental in convincing the toll road operator to waive the debt.