Family Violence & Avo's
Family Violence & AVO's
The Family Law Act says that violence can be any violent, threatening or other behaviour that controls or coerces a member of the person’s family or causes the family member to be fearful. It extends to physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.
If you are in immediate danger, your first point of contact should be the police. To discuss your legal options, contact our team of experienced Sydney family lawyers to help you in these difficult times.
What is Family Violence?
Physical Abuse
- Actual or threatened physical harm (including weapons)
- Denial of medical care, sleep, warmth or nutrition
- Driving recklessly when you or your children are in the vehicle
Psychological Abuse
- Taking things away from you, including your children, withholding money, your car
- Lying about you to friends and family
- Threats to commit suicide, intimidating and crying
- Taking your children away from you
Verbal Abuse
- Verbally harassing you, including threatening phone calls
- Threatening you with the use of your children
- Put-downs and name-calling
Property Damage
- Any damage done to your personal property or home
- Physically harming the family pet
- Confiscating your property
Stalking
- Spying and openly watching you
- Repeatedly sending letters, messages
- Repeatedly sending you unwanted gifts or deliveries
- Loitering around your workplace or home
Sexual Abuse
- Forcing or pressuring you to participate in any unwanted sexual activity
- Pressuring or humiliating you
Social Abuse
- Controlling what you see, wear and go
- Making you feel excessively guilty consistently
- Preventing you from participating in big decisions
- Preventing you from leaving home and contacting family and friends
- Checking your whereabouts constantly
- Controlling your use of technology and transport
Reproductive Health (Women)
- Not having a say in the timing and the number of children you may have
- Controlling your use of contraception
Financial Abuse
- Preventing you from access your money or bank accounts
- Controlling your finances when you do not want them to
- Controlling your bank cards, credit cards and
- Preventing you from obtaining employment
Technological Abuse
- Tracking devices or spyware installed on your devices to monitor you
- Your personal information posted on public websites
- The use of technology in general to monitor or stalk you
Our People
What Is An AVO?
How Can You Be Protected?
The Family Law Act 1975 and NSW Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 provide a range of methods for the Court to deal with family violence matters.
In NSW, individuals who have experienced domestic violence and children at risk of being exposed to domestic violence are entitled to protection.
If you are in circumstances where you or your children are being threatened or feel unsafe, the police should be your first point of contact. Protection orders can be obtained from the local Court quickly. Alternatively, a family violence order may be sought through the Family Court of Australia.
Domestic Violence Orders and Protection Orders provide that a person must not:
- Come near your home or place of work
- Abuse or demean an individual
- Intimidate, harass or assault an individual
Additionally, such orders may:
- Compel a person to relinquish their firearms
- Limit the circumstances of any communications amongst the parties
An Injunction May Also Be Ordered By Either The Federal Circuit Court Of Australia Or The Family Court Of Australia
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