Is It Family Violence? Legal Definitions and Proof in Court

🎧 Listen to This Episode If You…

🧾 Are trying to prove family violence in family court or to your lawyer

💔 Have experienced abuse and need to understand what counts under the law

⚖️ Want to know what evidence is helpful in a family law case

🕵️‍♀️ Are navigating post-separation abuse or coercive control

👨‍👩‍👧 Are worried about your children being exposed to family violence

📚 Want clarity on Australia’s legal definition of family violence

 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This is a general discussion and not legal advice. Please see a qualified lawyer for advice specific to your situation.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic and family violence.

Episode Summary:

What counts as family violence in Australia? And more importantly—how do you prove it in court or explain it to your lawyer? In this vital episode, we unpack the newer and expanded definition of family violence under the Family Law Act, section 4AB, and explain how each part can show up in real life—and in legal documents.

From stalking, coercive control and financial abuse, to how children are affected—we cover each part of the legal definition and give guidance on how to identify, name, and prepare evidence for your case. Whether you're writing an affidavit, preparing for mediation, or just trying to make sense of what’s happened to you, this episode is here to help you take the next step.

⏱️ Episode Timeline – What We Discuss:
00:00 – What is this episode about and why does it matter?
00:40 – What trigger warnings and legal disclaimers should you know before listening?
02:09 – What recent changes have been made to the Family Law Act regarding family violence?
03:50 – What exactly is included in the new definition of family violence?
04:54 – How can you start gathering evidence of family violence?
11:46 – How do you prove emotional and psychological abuse in court?
17:16 – What counts as financial or economic abuse—and how can you show it?
27:58 – How does isolation and social control factor into family violence?
32:05 – Can friends or support people help provide evidence of abuse?
32:41 – What is the legal impact of family violence on children?
34:23 – How should you document incidents of family violence?
35:58 – Why are detailed affidavits so important in family court?
37:12 – When should you seek legal advice or a lawyer's help?
46:47 – What challenges might arise in mediation or court when trying to prove abuse?
57:17 – What are the key takeaways and support resources mentioned?

 

📌 Key Takeaways:

• The legal definition of family violence under Section 4AB
  
  

• Real-life examples of what courts consider family violence
  
  

• Emotional, economic, and psychological abuse explained
  
  

• How to describe incidents in affidavits or when reporting to professionals
  
  

• Children’s exposure to family violence and its legal weight
  
  

• Practical ways to document your experience for court
  
  

 

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Resources

Family Law Act  Section 4AB Definition of Family Violence https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/legis/cth/consol_act/fla1975114/s4ab.html#:~:text=1975%20%2D%20SECT%204AB-,Definition%20of%20family%20violence%20etc.,family%20member%20to%20be%20fearful.

Affidavit DIY Kit: https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/pubs/preparing-affidavit

 

Related Episodes
Four things you might not realise are coercive control https://open.spotify.com/episode/37TbRPx2QlIf6IhTjIu21t?si=14F0S44DTV-auLxa1JZ7fQ

Is it emotional abuse?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2bSCQ3JdcU4xxW7D4LJUxG?si=xN-N_3QpSZ6bVoiPjmvnag

Is it financial abuse?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4wxVtk6TOSCgqCJikfk6LD?si=fg9uTg5IR3iS9TqmMZejYg

Divorcing your abuser

https://open.spotify.com/episode/21TpYbC15VJt9lnb82Ub13?si=qai60uWwRg-kbkQ5nRYvdQ

Telling your story: putting coercive control into writing

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Ci0M4DqznBf1L1kcZM3vY?si=6nY8QhxvSCuy92hPpLbfXg

Affidavits 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aGOz28irKroZfpYwlovyo?si=D_bm7-ftRjW6rozzjMbUbw

 

🆘 Emergency & Support Contacts:
💜 Women’s Shelter: 1800 811 811
📞 Lifeline (24/7 Crisis): 13 11 14
👨‍👧 Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978
👧 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
🚨 DV Hotline: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)