From Fear to Freedom: Creating a Safety Plan Before You Need One
Release Date: 12/17/2025
Coercive Control & Domestic Violence in Family Court: Should You Raise It or Stay Silent?
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You want to understand if domestic violence can affect your property or parenting outcome You've been told by a lawyer to "leave the family violence out" of your case You're scared raising coercive control or domestic violence will backfire on you in mediation You're confused by social media saying the courts ignore family violence Your ex is still using coercive behaviour even after separation You're heading into mediation or court and don't know how to bring it up ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer & Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode...
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Divorce Money Mistakes: What Financial Planners Know That You Don’t
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re about to go through property settlement in divorce You’re focused on the percentage but unsure what it actually means You’re dealing with complex finances (trusts, companies, super, shares) or Simple Property Settlement You want to avoid making a financial mistake that costs you years You’re wondering whether to take the house, cash, super or investments ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer & ⚠️ Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode contains discussion of family violence, coercive control, and financial control, which may be...
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Furniture in Divorce: Who Gets What & Costly Mistakes to Avoid
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re arguing over furniture or household items in divorce Your ex has taken everything or won’t give anything back You’ve been told “you can’t take anything if you leave” You want to avoid wasting money on legal fees over small items You’re trying to work out what’s actually fair vs worth fighting for Legal Disclaimer & Family Violence Trigger Warning This episode contains discussion of family violence, coercive control, and separation dynamics, which may be distressing for some listeners. If you are unsafe, do not attempt to...
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Health and Divorce: How Illness May Affect Property Settlement Percentage
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You or your ex has a serious illness or disability You’ve been a carer during the relationship You have ongoing medical expenses You’re worried about future financial support after separation You want to understand how courts assess health in property settlement ⚖️ Legal Disclaimer This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general information about Australian family law. It is not legal advice. Every situation is different, and you should seek independent professional guidance for your circumstances. What...
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Is Your Ex Watching You? Coercive control goes digital.
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You feel like your ex knows things they shouldn’t You suspect you’re being tracked, monitored, or watched You’re going through separation and worried about digital safety Your ex had access to your devices, passwords, or accounts You want to protect yourself and your children from tech-based abuse What if your ex knew where you were… who you were talking to… and what you were saying — without you ever telling them? In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Plunkett, Director of Safety Net Australia at WESNET, to unpack the growing...
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Refusing 50/50 Care? What to Do in Mediation When Your Child's Safety Comes First
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’ve been told to attend mediation but feel unsafe agreeing to child care arrangements Your ex is pushing for 50/50 care and you don’t believe it’s appropriate for the kids You’re dealing with substance abuse, family violence, or safety concerns and your child's safety You feel pressured to compromise at mediation when you don’t want to You want to understand your options without giving in on safety Have you been told you need to go to mediation, but you’re worried about the outcome because you simply cannot budge when it comes to your...
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The Parenting Order Loopholes Your Ex Might Exploit (And How to Close Them)
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You are about to negotiate parenting orders or a parenting plan Your coparent is high conflict, manipulative or controlling You’re worried they will twist agreements or exploit loopholes You’re preparing for mediation or family court for parenting orders You want parenting orders that actually reduce future arguments Family Violence & Legal Disclaimer This episode contains discussion of family conflict and family violence which may be distressing for some listeners.If you are experiencing family violence or feel unsafe, please contact...
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Can I Make My Ex Leave the House? 5 Strategies After Separation
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You are separated but still living under the same roof as your ex You feel stuck in the house and don’t know how to move forward You want to know what an ouster order is You want to understand sole occupancy Someone told you if you leave the house you will lose your rights to it You want to understand what you can legally do to create space after separation Your ex refuses to move out and you don’t know what your options are You’re wondering whether you can make your ex leave the house You’re dealing with a manipulative, avoidant,...
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When It’s Not Just Conflict: How Coercive Control Shows Up in Divorce
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if: You’re unsure whether what you experienced was abuse You’ve heard the term “coercive control” but don’t fully understand it You feel confused, guilty or constantly off balance in your relationship Negotiations during separation feel manipulative rather than constructive You’re worried about how coercive control affects children You want clarity and validation around your experience This episode discusses family violence and may be triggering for some listeners. If you need support, please reach out to 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline (13 11...
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When In-Laws Interfere in Your Divorce (What You Have to Respond To)
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… ● Your ex’s parents or extended family are texting, pressuring or negotiating on their behalf ● Grandparents are demanding time with your children ● You’re being accused of owing money that was supposedly a “gift” ● You’re dealing with coercive control through third parties ● You feel like you’re negotiating with an entire extended family ● You’re unsure what you legally have to respond to ● Your mediation agreements change after your ex speaks to their family ● You want clear boundaries and practical guidance during separation If...
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- You're in a relationship or home where you feel unsafe
- You’ve left but still don’t feel secure
- You’re not ready to leave yet but want to prepare
- You’re supporting someone who may be experiencing abuse
- You want to understand how to help a friend or loved one stay safe
- You have a court or mediation event you need to attend with an unsafe ex
📌 Please remember this episode is for general information only and does not replace individual legal or safety advice. For immediate support in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
When things feel uncertain or even unsafe it’s not being paranoid to think ahead. It’s being prepared.
In this important episode, we break down what a safety plan actually is, why it matters, and how to build one tailored to your situation. Whether you're living with abuse, planning to leave, or simply want to feel more secure going through the Family Court, we talk through the key steps and considerations from protecting your children to securing your documents and digital life.
You’ll learn how safety planning can be a quiet, empowering way to take back control and set up the support you need. I also share resources, tools, and who to call if you want help doing it safely and confidentially.
🔑 Episode Timeline: From Fear to Freedom: Creating a Safety Plan Before You Need One
Safety Plans — What They Are & How to Make One
00:00 – Introduction: What is a Safety Plan and Why It Matters
Overview of safety planning and who needs one.
02:06 – Why You Might Need a Safety Plan for Domestic Violence
Signs, risks, and when it’s time to prepare.
03:41 – Recognising Coercive Control and Hidden Danger Signals
How emotional and behavioural control can put you at risk.
07:55 – Step‑by‑Step Guide to Creating Your Safety Plan
Essential steps to start planning your safety today.
09:04 – Safety at Home: Preparing for a Potential Escape
Practical tips for making your environment safer.
16:33 – Safety Technology: Real‑Time Tracking and Digital Risk
Understanding digital abuse and how it affects your plan.
16:57 – Important Documents You Should Have Ready
Checklist of documents to keep handy for safety or sudden departure.
17:33 – Leaving Without Explanation: When It’s Necessary
How to plan a quiet departure without alerting an abuser.
18:10 – The Power of Code Words and Communication Safety
Using discreet signals to reach out for help.
19:20 – Planning Your Escape Route: Fast and Safe Exits
How to map out the quickest way out when it’s unsafe to stay.
20:11 – Handling Vehicle Safety and Transport During Escape
Car strategies and avoiding being blocked in.
23:29 – Keeping Your Pets Safe During an Escape Plan
Options and programs that support pets in family violence situations.
24:22 – Work, Online and Tech Safety Measures
Protecting your devices, social media, and work life from monitoring or abuse.
27:00 – Staying Safe After Leaving a Violent Situation
Changes to routines, communication, and personal security.
27:56 – Legal Steps to Support Your Safety Plan
Protection orders, police involvement, and legal safety mechanisms.
30:58 – Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone — Support Is Available
Encouragement and next steps with reminder resources.
🔗 Links & Resources:
1800RESPECT – 24/7 Support Service
Daisy App – Connect to Local Services
Before you go Checklist - https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/opt-in
Example Safety plans template - https://yourtoolkit.com/resource/safety-plan-template/
Family Court Safety Plan information https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/pubs/fl/fvbpp#intro
The Purple Book https://domesticviolence.com.au/resources/the-purple-book/
Episode Links
Who gets the Car in the long and short term https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CmoF5nrBhVfDlJgVyXlGp?si=uXtMvH1dRoG74CSd-7pD9w
Separated under one roof do’s and don’ts
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IXSOZ8vVadbcrq10DuxG0?si=RXwC_koDSD2foKqOEIENBQ
Stuck under one roof what are your options
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1i5baNjrk3XwbD1KrHC8hb?si=s-umof6ATtWWhdm893idUg
Reporting Family Violence or Coercive Control to Police
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3EZwSuK51JNZjHT8r4Wzz9?si=p5MmpiUKSmC9UqHLyfMAvw
🚨 Support Services:
Safe Beds RSPCA - check your state for details https://www.rspcaqld.org.au/what-we-do/save-animals/Pets%20in%20Crisis%20Program
1800 RESPECT (Family Violence Support – Australia)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (Crisis Support – Australia)
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⚠️ Legal Disclaimer & Trigger Warning:
This episode is for general education and discussion only. It is not legal advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified legal professional for your specific situation. Discussions of Family Violence and Coercive Control.