Learn exactly what financial abuse entails, how to identify if you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse and the steps that can be taken to address the situation.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Bill 2022 (NSW) passed parliament on Wed 16 Nov 2022. It creates a dedicated offence for coercive control under the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

In May 2022, the FWC completed their four yearly review of the modern awards, including consideration of whether modern awards should be varied to include paid FDV leave. As part of its review the FWC made significant findings in relation to FDV:

This is how many victims describe their existence and relationships under coercive control. A ‘strategic pattern of entrapment’ undermining self determination. Understanding coercive control is key to responding to common questions people ask about domestic violence like “why didn’t she just leave?"

Family violence is a crisis in Australia. Often, women experiencing domestic violence and coercive control are vulnerable around the time of separation and divorce. 1 in 6 women have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner. Unfortunately, this can happen in the presence of children, with 61% of women having children in their care when this violence occurs.

The safety and wellbeing of our beloved pets are understandably at the forefront of many of our minds at times. Domestic Violence NSW explained that perpetrators of domestic violence will often threaten to harm or kill animals to gain control in the relationship.

We are living in unprecedented times. With a rise in Family Law and domestic violence cases as our out of home movements and activities become more restricted and strain on our mental and economic well-being increases, understanding the changes being made in Australia to support those most vulnerable is vital.

Last week I was thrilled to be invited as a guest on to the Janeen Vosper podcast, where I had the opportunity to talk about my passion for helping people find their voice.

There are considerable new legal developments around domestic violence to report this month.

Shocking results of research into Domestic Violence in NSW.