Useful information

Family and domestic violence is any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that occurs in current or past family, domestic or intimate relationships. If a child witnesses abusive behaviour or is exposed to the impacts of this, they are a victim of family violence in their own right. 

 

In Victoria, abusive behaviour includes: 

  • an assault 
  • a sexual assault or other sexually abusive behaviour 
  • stalking 
  • repeated derogatory taunts 
  • intentionally damaging or destroying property 
  • intentionally causing death or injury to an animal 
  • unreasonably denying the family member the financial autonomy that he or she would otherwise have had 
  • unreasonably withholding financial support needed to meet the reasonable living expenses of the family member, or her child, at a time when the family member is entirely or predominantly dependent on the person for financial support 
  • preventing the family member from making or keeping connections with her family, friends or culture 
  • unlawfully depriving the family member, or any member of the family member’s family, or her liberty. 

Family violence intervention orders

A Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) can help protect you and your family from a family member who is violent to you.

Separation and Divorce

Legal information about separating from your partner or getting a divorce.  

Children and Family Law

Legal information about making parenting arrangements for children after a separation or divorce 

Property Settlement

Legal information about dividing things you own and things you owe money on when you and your partner separate  

Visas and family violence

What to do if you are experiencing family violence while on a partner visa, temporary visa or if you do not have a visa.

Victims of Crime

Information about the rights of people who have suffered physical or emotional injury, or financial loss because of a crime. 

A male and female lawyer are sitting at the bar table in the magistrates court. They are both looking at the magistrate who is off camera. Members of the public sit in the chairs behind the lawyers

Going to court

Information about going to court for a Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO) hearing.