For the purposes of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) family violence is any "violent, threatening or other behaviour by a person that coerces or controls a member of the person's family, or causes the family member to be fearful" [s 4AB].
It sets out the following range of examples:
- an assault
- a sexual assault or other sexually abusive behaviour
- stalking
- repeated derogatory taunts
- intentionally damaging or destroying property
- intentionally causing injury or death to an animal
- unreasonably denying the family member financial autonomy
- unreasonably withholding financial support at a time when the family member is entirely or predominantly dependent
- preventing the family member from making or keeping connections with his or her family, friends or culture
- unlawfully depriving a family member his or her liberty.
The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has put together a video titled What is family violence?
In an emergency: 000
For police attendance: 131 444
Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1800 800 098
1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732.
What is family violence? : Last Revised: Thu Nov 2nd 2023
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