Family Violence
Confidential advice to help you stay safe and protect your children, your finances and your future.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Your safety comes first
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 family violence support in Victoria, call Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Family violence is not only physical. Under the Family Law Act it includes emotional and psychological abuse, controlling behaviour, and economic or financial abuse, such as restricting access to money. (Source: Family Relationships Online)
If you are experiencing family violence, or you are worried about your children’s safety, you do not have to work out the legal side alone. We explain your options clearly, in English or Spanish, and help you take the next step safely.
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Your enquiry is confidential. Let us know the safest way and time to contact you.
How can we assist you?
Start with a free, confidential 15-minute phone call with one of our family lawyers, in English or Spanish.
Prefer to write? Send us a confidential message.
Intervention orders
We advise you on applying for, or responding to, a family violence intervention order in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, including interim orders for immediate protection.
Parenting and children’s safety
Safety is the first thing the court considers when deciding what is best for children. We help you seek parenting arrangements that protect them.
Property and financial abuse
The court can consider the economic effect of family violence in a property settlement. We make sure it is properly taken into account.
HOW IT WORKS
What to expect
STEP 1
Free 15 minute confidential call
Tell us what is happening and the safest way and time to contact you.
STEP 2
A clear plan
We explain your options, including safety steps, intervention orders and family law orders.
STEP 3
Support at every step
We prepare your documents, speak for you in court and work with support services where needed.
OUR DIFFERENCE
Why Fair Path Legal?
CLIENT REVIEWS
What our clients say
RESOURCES
Related guides
Plain-English guides on this topic, written by our team.
QUESTIONS
Common questions
What counts as family violence?
Family violence is violent, threatening or other behaviour that coerces or controls a family member, or causes them to be fearful. It includes physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse, and economic or financial abuse, such as restricting access to money. Exposing children to family violence is also a form of child abuse.
Source: Family Relationships Online
Do I have to attend mediation with my ex-partner?
Usually parents must try family dispute resolution before applying to court for parenting orders. If you have experienced family violence, or are at risk of it, you can seek an exemption. We can advise whether an exemption applies to you.
Source: Family Relationships Online
How do I get an intervention order in Victoria?
If you are 18 or over, you can apply to the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria online or in person, and police can also apply for you. The court can make an interim order for immediate protection until it makes a final decision.
Source: Victoria Legal Aid
Will family violence affect parenting arrangements?
Yes. When deciding what is in a child’s best interests, the court considers first the safety of the child and the people who care for them, including any history of family violence.
Source: Victoria Legal Aid
Can family violence affect a property settlement?
Yes. For cases started from 10 June 2025, the court can consider how family violence affected each person’s contributions, and its economic effect on their current and future circumstances.
Source: Attorney-General’s Department
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, so speak with us about yours.
