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.