What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence means behaviour by a person in a relationship to you that is:

·       Physically or sexually abusive; or

·       Emotionally or psychologically abusive; or

·       Economically abusive; or

·       Threatening; or

·       Coercive; or

·       In any way controls or dominates the second person and causes the second person to fear for the second person’s safety or wellbeing or that of someone else.

When we say “relationship”, this can mean:

·       You and the aggressor are married or in a de facto relationship (or were married or in a de facto relationship)

·       You and the aggressor are in a couple relationship (or were in a couple relationship)

·       You and the aggressor have a child together, but are no longer in a relationship

·       The aggressor is a family member

·       The aggressor is someone who you are (or were) dependent upon for assistance in the activities of daily living.

Domestic violence is often an overt or subtle expression of a power imbalance, resulting in one person living in fear of another, and usually involves an ongoing pattern of abuse over a period of time.

What we can do to help?

If you feel unsafe, the first point of call is always the police on 000.

The police can assist you to complete an Application for Protection Order. This is a legal form that is submitted to the Magistrates Court seeking to impose conditions on the aggressor so that you, and anyone associated with you whom the aggressor is threatening, can feel safe.

If you don’t wish to involve the police, you can make a private Application for a Protection Order, which we can assist you with.

Please contact our team of experienced family lawyers to seek help today.