Episodes

In this, the second part of our two-part special on Understanding Family Violence in Victoria – The Legislation and the Courts, we continue our discussion around : 1. Expanded Definition of Family Violence 2. Tackling Misidentification of Victim‑Survivors 3. Stronger Requirements for Police and Courts 4. Minimum Age for Respondents to FVIOs 5. Preventing Young People From “Ageing Out” of Protection For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Family violence in Victoria is governed by one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks in Australia. The law has evolved significantly over the past four decades, moving from a narrow understanding of “domestic disputes” to a modern, evidence‑based recognition of patterns of coercive control, psychological abuse, and systemic harm. In this episode, we explore a clear timeline and explanation of how Victoria’s legislation has developed — and what it means today.

Is Domestic and Family Violence Something New in Australia? No. Domestic and family violence is not new — it is centuries old. Its origins can be traced through English common law, European social norms, and early colonial practices that shaped gender relations in Australia long before modern legal reforms. In this episode, we look at: Family Violence Before Colonisation: English Law and the “Right to Chastise” 18th‑Century England: Wife Beating as a Social Norm Early Victorian Colonisatio...

Australia has seen a significant rise in people charged with family and domestic violence offences. Police recorded 97,800 offenders in the 2024–25 financial year, an 8% increase from the previous year — the largest rise since national reporting began. This equates to 403 offenders per 100,000 people, the highest rate ever recorded. Around 78% of offenders are men, with most aged between 30 and 39. These increases may reflect both more incidents and stronger policing, including new laws such...

In this, the first episode of our six-part series, we take a deep dive into DFV Lawyers, who they are, what they do, and how they can help. If you are suffering from family or domestic violence issues, this is the first step towards a brighter future.

DFV Lawyers is proud to launch “In Conversations About Family Violence – You Do Not Have To Put Up With It,” a six-part podcast series hosted by Ms Carmella Acciarito, Founder and Principal Domestic & Family Violence Lawyer. You deserve safety, respect, and peace. That’s the heart of our new podcast series, In Conversations About Family Violence – You Do Not Have To Put Up With It, hosted by Ms Carmella Acciarito, Principal Lawyer and Founder of DFV Lawyers. This series is designed to inform,...