Everyone has the right to live free from family violence. Family violence is against the law. There is no excuse for using family violence.
Learn how family violence is defined, who is affected, and different family violence behaviours.
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About family violence
Victoria has a broad legal definition of family violence. It extends beyond physical and sexual violence.
The Victorian Family Violence Protection Act 2008 defines family violence as any behaviour that controls or dominates a family member in any way, and causes them to feel fear for their own or another family member’s safety or wellbeing.
It is any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour that is currently occurring or that has happened in a past family, domestic or intimate relationship.
Family violence is also known as domestic violence or abuse.
It is a serious matter and help is available.
Who is affected by family violence
Family violence can happen to anyone.
It happens in all communities, and impacts people of all ages, gender identities, ethnicities, sexualities, disabilities, immigration statuses, religious or cultural beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Different types of relationships can include:
- intimate partners, husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, and people in de facto relationships
- former partners
- LGBTIQA+ relationships
- parents or guardians and their children (of all ages)
- siblings
- stepfamily members
- relatives or extended family members, such as a grandparents, parents-in-law, aunts, uncles, or blended family members
- cultural groups that are like families
- housemates
- older people or people with disability who have a family-like relationship with the people who care for them.
Types of family violence behaviours
Family violence can be both physical and non-physical.
It can be a single incident, or an ongoing or repeated pattern of behaviour.
People who use family violence may use one or more types of the below behaviours.
How to report family violence
Learn how to make a family violence report on Report family violence.
What to expect when you report family violence
What happens when you report family violence to Victoria Police.
Family violence terms and definitions
Understand some common terms that are used when talking about family violence.
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