What Is Family Violence?
Family violence is more than physical harm. It’s any behaviour that makes a person feel scared, unsafe, controlled, or powerless within a family or intimate relationship. Under Australian law, the definition is intentionally broad — because abuse doesn’t always leave bruises. It can be emotional, financial, social, or even digital.
Understanding what family violence is can help you recognise the signs early and know when to reach out for support. At its core, family violence is about power, control, and fear — and the law takes it seriously.
Family violence can include:
Physical Abuse
Any act that causes harm or injury — hitting, pushing, restraining, or threatening physical violence.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Behaviour that belittles, intimidates, threatens, or erodes a person’s sense of safety. This can include constant criticism, humiliation, manipulation, or threats to harm themselves, pets, or loved ones.
Coercive Control
A pattern of behaviour used to dominate or isolate someone. Examples include monitoring movements, cutting off social connections, controlling decisions, or making someone feel like they cannot leave.
Financial Abuse
Restricting access to money, taking control of someone’s income, preventing work, or creating debt in their name.
Social Abuse
Stopping someone from seeing friends, family, or community, or damaging relationships to isolate them.
Digital Abuse
Using technology to stalk, harass, track, or monitor someone without consent.
Damage to Property
Breaking or destroying belongings as a way to intimidate or frighten.
Family violence can happen to anyone — regardless of age, gender, background, or relationship status.
Who Is Protected Under Family Violence Law?
The law recognises a wide range of relationships, including:
Married or de facto partners
Former partners
Parents, children, and extended family
Carers
People in intimate or dating relationships
Members of the same household
This broad definition ensures that anyone experiencing abuse or coercion within a family or close relationship can access protection.
What Are the Signs to Look For?
Family violence can be subtle and gradual. Some signs include:
Feeling nervous or fearful around a partner or family member
Feeling the need to “ask for permission” before doing everyday things
Being isolated from friends or support networks
Having no access to money, accounts, or important documents
Regularly being put down, blamed, or made to feel responsible for someone else’s behaviour
Being monitored or tracked online or through devices
If any of this feels familiar, it’s important to know you are not alone — and help is available.
How the Law Protects You
The Australian family law system takes family violence extremely seriously. Courts now look closely at the impact of violence on both adults and children, and the safety of those involved is always the top priority.
Protection options may include:
Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs)
Orders that set clear rules about contact, communication, and behaviour.
Parenting Arrangements Focused on Safety
When children are involved, the court considers the presence of family violence and prioritises their wellbeing and protection.
Support Through the Family Law Process
A trauma-informed, resolution-focused approach can help minimise stress and conflict while protecting your rights.
Relevance of family violence to property settlements
From 10 June 205, the economic effect of family violence must be considered, where relevant, when making decisions about property and finances after separation. The Family Law Act 1975 makes it clear that economic or financial abuse may constitute family violence.
Family First Lawyers often works with clients experiencing trauma, coercive control, and complex family situations. Our role is to ensure you feel safe, supported, and informed at every step.
What to Do If You Need Help
If you think you may be experiencing family violence, consider the following steps:
Talk to someone you trust
Contact a support service or helpline
Seek legal advice to understand your rights
In an emergency, call 000
You deserve to feel safe, heard, and supported.
How We Can Help
At Family First Lawyers, we take the time to listen, understand your situation, and guide you with clarity and compassion. Our focus is on reducing conflict, protecting your wellbeing, and helping you move forward with confidence.
If you’re ready to talk or simply want to understand your options, we’re here.
