How Do You Define Family Violence in Australia?
Family violence in Australia is defined as any behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, controlled, intimidated, or deprived of your freedom within a family or domestic relationship. It is not limited to physical harm.
It includes emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, social, cultural, and technology-based forms of abuse. If someone’s behaviour affects your safety, wellbeing, or independence, it may fall under the legal definition of family violence.
Key takeaway: Family violence is defined by its impact on your freedom and safety, not just physical actions.
Understanding How Family Violence Is Defined in Australia
Across Australia—including Queensland—family violence is recognised as a pattern of behaviour, not just single incidents. The law focuses on how someone’s actions affect your ability to live freely, make decisions, and feel secure.
You do not need to have bruises, injuries, or visible signs of harm for behaviour to qualify as family violence. What matters is whether the conduct:
- Causes fear
- Forces you to act against your will
- Undermines your autonomy
- Limits your independence or ability to function day to day
This definition applies whether the person harming you is a partner, ex-partner, parent, adult child, relative, or another member of your household. If you are unsure about your options, a south Brisbane DVO lawyer can help you understand whether the behaviour meets the legal threshold and what steps you can take to stay safe.
Key takeaway: Family violence is about the effect on your emotional and physical safety, not whether physical injuries exist.
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Types of Behaviour Considered Family Violence
Family violence can appear in many forms, and it often builds gradually. You may experience one type or several at the same time.
Physical Abuse
Includes any behaviour that causes or threatens physical harm, such as hitting, choking, pushing, or using objects or weapons.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
This includes behaviour that erodes your confidence or sense of self. Examples include:
- Constant criticism or insults
- Blaming you unfairly
- Gaslighting
- Humiliation
- Intimidation or threats
Financial Abuse
Occurs when someone:
- Controls or restricts your access to money
- Monitors or dictates your spending
- Stops you from working
- Hides assets
- Builds debt in your name
Social Abuse
Happens when someone isolates you by:
- Limiting who you see or speak to
- Monitoring friendships
- Preventing family contact
- Controlling your movements or activities
Sexual Abuse
Includes any unwanted or pressured sexual activity, regardless of whether you are in a relationship with the person. Consent must be free, voluntary, and ongoing.
Cultural or Spiritual Abuse
This may involve:
- Preventing you from practising your beliefs
- Misusing cultural or religious traditions to control you
- Weaponising your cultural identity to shame or isolate you
Technology-Facilitated Abuse
Abuse that occurs online or through devices, including:
- Tracking your location
- Monitoring your phone or social media
- Accessing your online accounts
- Sending threats or harassing messages
Key takeaway: Family violence can be emotional, digital, financial, or cultural—physical harm is only one aspect of it.
Who Can Be Affected by Family Violence?
Family violence can appear in any household or family structure. It may occur in:
- Marriages
- De facto relationships
- Same-sex relationships
- Co-parenting arrangements
- Blended families
It also includes violence by:
- Parents toward adult children
- Adult children toward parents
- Siblings
- Relatives
- Carers or support people
The law is deliberately broad so you can seek help no matter what your family situation looks like. Whether you live together, live apart, or are navigating a separation in south Brisbane, the law recognises behaviour that threatens your safety.
Key takeaway: Family violence isn’t limited to intimate partners. It can occur in any family or caring relationship.
How Australian Law Approaches Family Violence
Family violence laws in Australia are designed with your safety and your children’s wellbeing in mind. Courts look at patterns of harmful behaviour, not just arguments or isolated incidents.
If you’re experiencing family violence, you may be able to apply for a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) in Queensland. A DVO can prevent the person from:
- Contacting you
- Approaching you
- Coming near your home or workplace
- Damaging your belongings
- Engaging in further threatening behaviour
These orders are intended to give you legal protection, space, and safety.
The law also recognises that children can be harmed by the environment around them. Even if they don’t see the violence, living in a home where family violence occurs can have long-term emotional and psychological impacts.
Key takeaway: Australian law looks at the broader pattern of abuse and offers protective orders to help safeguard you and your children.
