Coercive control is insidious, harmful and not completely understood by law makers, law enforcement and even victims. There has been talk recently that there is a clear 'gap' in legislation pertaining to family violence which does not specifically address coercive control, and leaves many victims remaining in a relationship characterised by [...]
There are many concerns that face men and women who are thinking about leaving their home, where they live in a household with family violence. One main area of concern are those who are unable to get sufficient leave from work to be able to move out of their home situation [...]
Family violence advocates are making progress in criminalising coercive and controlling behaviours, which is often prevalent in relationships characterised by family violence. As we move towards the end of lockdowns, there is the potential that many women who are subject to abuse in their homes will be able to escape abusive [...]
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are constantly in the news for their fashion, their international trips and spending time with their famous friends. The majority of the news surrounding their relationship is unrelatable and out of touch with the common person. Recently, headlines have been emerging with respect to the Kardashian [...]
In March 2021, the Family Law Amendment (Federal Family Violence Orders) Bill 2021 was introduced to the House of Representatives. Currently, orders in relation to family and domestic violence are issued by the states and territories. The Bill is intended to establish enforceable federal family violence orders. This will allow [...]
An article appeared in today’s Australian newspaper asserting that the police have found no increase in abuse rates. The Assistant Commissioner says “It has been consistent right from the get go. Importantly for us there has been no increase in the more serious assaults.” That is a surprising statement having [...]
If you thought family violence required physical abuse, then you were wrong. It can include coercive and controlling behaviour, limiting access to money, limiting access to friends, or limiting access to family. It is conduct that causes the family member to be fearful. It is not unusual for family violence [...]
Recent changes to the Family Law Act have resulted in greater protection for the victims of family violence. Among other things the amendments are aimed at ensuring victims of family violence are not put in a position where they are either personally cross-examined by their perpetrator or required to cross [...]
Over the last 12 months, the Laws around Domestic and Family violence have been reviewed and changed in a number of areas. In June of 2016, state legislation was changed to allow for a finding of domestic violence or a fear of domestic violence to exist in circumstances where the [...]