De facto Relationships

Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behaviour in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.

If there is evidence of domestic violence within the marriage, parties will go straight to Court and avoid dispute resolution processes. Domestic violence is when one person in the relationship, participates in violent or threatening behaviour that causes a family member to feel controlled or fearful. This may include physical or sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, economic abuse, deprivation of liberty, stalking or other circumstances. If you have experienced any form of domestic violence, an Application for a Protection Order can be made at any Magistrates Court.