Family violence matters require speed, clarity, and a lawyer who will not flinch at the detail. My job is to give you a realistic picture of what the law can and cannot do, to act quickly where the safety of a client or their children is at risk, and to coordinate intervention orders, parenting arrangements and property issues so they do not pull in opposite directions.
What family violence means under Victorian law
The Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic) defines family violence broadly. It covers physical violence and assault, but also threats, sexual violence, emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, and exposure of children to any of the above. The legal definition is significantly broader than what most people picture when they hear the words 'domestic violence'.
Recognising what counts matters because it determines whether the conduct can ground an intervention order, influence parenting orders, or affect a property settlement (where one party's conduct has had a financial impact on the other).
Immediate steps where there is risk
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. Where there is a risk that does not need an emergency response but does need action that day, we can prepare an urgent application for a family violence intervention order, including with an interim order made the same day. We coordinate with Victoria Police and family violence services so that the legal step does not exist in isolation.
Family violence and parenting
Since the 2024 reforms to the Family Law Act, the need to protect children from harm takes priority over the benefit of a meaningful relationship with both parents where those considerations conflict. In practice this means properly documented family violence is given significant weight in parenting decisions. Documentation matters — police reports, medical records, intervention order records, contemporaneous notes.
Where to get specialist non-legal support
Legal advice is only part of the picture. I work alongside specialist family violence services including Safe Steps (1800 015 188, 24/7), 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732, 24/7), and InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence. For Jewish women facing family violence, JCA's Jewish Care has dedicated family violence support that understands community and religious context — I refer clients to them where appropriate.
How I handle a family & domestic violence matter
- 1Urgent first appointment — same week, sooner where safety requires it
- 2Confidential, judgment-free conversation about what has been happening
- 3Coordinated legal response: intervention order, parenting protection, property safeguards
- 4Referrals to specialist non-legal services where helpful
Frequently asked questions
Will my ex find out I'm getting legal advice?
Not from me. Initial consultations are confidential and protected by legal professional privilege. The other party only becomes aware once a formal step is taken — applying for an intervention order, filing court proceedings, or sending correspondence — and we will plan that step with safety in mind.
Can financial abuse be part of an intervention order?
Yes. Family violence in Victoria includes economic and financial abuse — for example, controlling access to bank accounts, preventing employment, or accumulating debts in the other person's name. This conduct can ground an intervention order and is increasingly recognised by the Family Court in property settlement.
What if I'm worried about the children but they haven't been physically harmed?
Exposing children to family violence is itself a form of family violence under Victorian law and is treated as a harm to children under the Family Law Act. You do not need to wait for physical harm to act. Speak to a family lawyer early.
Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB — Principal Lawyer, Fogarty Oliver Rothschild. Admitted to legal practice in Victoria. Last reviewed 2026-05-22.
This page is general legal information about family & domestic violence in Victoria, Australia. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. For advice on your matter, book a free initial consultation.