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    What is family violence?

    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 fear [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
    • economic or financial abuse
    • preventing the family member from making or keeping connections with their family, friends or culture
    • unlawfully depriving a family member of their liberty.

    Economic or financial abuse of a family member might include [s 4AB(2A)]:

    • unreasonably denying the family member financial autonomy by, for example, controlling their money or assets, sabotaging their employment or income, forcing them to take on a financial liability, or accumulating debt in their name
    • unreasonably withholding financial support needed to meet reasonable living expenses
    • dowry abuse.

    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: Wed Jun 11th 2025
    The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.

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