We do this with a focus on determining whether offences have been committed or to identify behaviour that coerces, controls or causes fear.
Family violence is defined in the Restraining Orders Act 1997 as:
- violence, or a threat of violence, by a person towards a family member of the person; or
- any other behaviour by the person that coerces or controls the family member or causes the member to be fearful
- may occur over a period of time; and
- may be more than 1 act, or a series of acts, that when considered cumulatively coerces or controls the family member or causes the member to be fearful; and
- is to be considered in the context of the relationship between the person and the family member as a whole.
Family violence involves patterns of behaviour that contribute to a harmful family relationship. The more a perpetrator commits family violence, the greater the likelihood of the victim becoming vulnerable to further abuse and violence in the future.
Elder abuse
Elder abuse is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.
Elder abuse can happen anywhere – in residential aged care, home care and in families.
As with many forms of abuse, it can be hard to speak out. Sometimes it’s even hard to admit it to yourself.
When elder abuse happens within families you can feel ashamed to seek help and fearful of reprisals.
Examples of criminal acts of family violence | Examples of non-criminal acts of family violence |
| Physical violence: to you, children, other people, pets and property. | Verbal, emotional and psychological abuse, including:
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Sexual violence:
| Financial deprivation, such as:
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| Stalking, which includes tracking your movements, communications and finances, either in person or electronically. | Social isolation from your children, your family, friends, work colleagues, and the wider community, or threatening to do so. |
| Stealing your property or disposing of it without your consent. | Intimidating you, your children, others and pets. |
| Breaching Restraining Orders and Police Orders. | Cultural shaming including:
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| Threats to do any of the above criminal acts. | Systems abuse, such as threatening to withdraw support for a visa or have you/your family deported. |
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