“See What You Made Me Do”: Understanding Coercive Control Through the Eyes of Victims, Perpetrators and Family Lawyers
Few books have shifted Australia’s understanding of family violence as profoundly as See What You Made Me Do by Jess Hill. The title itself captures one of the most dangerous dynamics within abusive relationships: the belief by perpetrators that their violence is caused by the victim. “See what you made me do.” It is a…
The Body Keeps the Score: Understanding the Lasting Impact of Family Violence
By Creative Family Law Solutions “Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain and body.” — Bessel van der Kolk As family lawyers and mediators, we often meet people who arrive in our offices believing they are seeking…
Beyond the Bruises: What This Story Teaches Us About Family Violence
Reflections from an experienced family lawyer and mediator at Creative Family Law Solutions Couple Instigated Family Violence The story of Rick and Diane is confronting because it does not fit neatly into many people’s understanding of family violence. There is no obvious villain. There is no obvious victim. There is no simple answer. Yet beneath…
Family Violence Is Complex: Why There Is No “One-Size-Fits-All” Response
The importance of nuance, sensitivity and trauma-informed family law practice Family violence is one of the most challenging and emotionally complex issues encountered within the family law system. Importantly, family violence does not always look the same. There is no single profile of a person who experiences family violence, and no single profile of a…
The Hidden Nature of Family Violence: Why It Can Be So Difficult to Identify
Understanding coercive control and its impact on families Family violence is often far more complex than many people realise. While public discussion has traditionally focused on physical assaults or visible injuries, many forms of family violence are subtle, gradual and deeply psychological. Some victim-survivors may not immediately recognise what is happening to them. Friends, family…
Family Violence and the Family Law Act: Recent changes bringing a greater focus on family violence. A family lawyer and mediator’s perspective.
Since May 2024, Australia’s family law system has undergone some of the most significant reforms in decades. The amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) represent a substantial shift toward a more trauma-informed, child-focused and safety-oriented approach — particularly in matters involving family violence, coercive control and post-separation abuse. (Federal Circuit Court Australia) As…
Best Practice as the key to Family Violence
Family Violence Best Practice Principles: Obligations for Family Lawyers and Mediators A trauma-informed and compassionate approach to family law practice Family violence is one of the most significant and complex issues encountered within the family law system. For family lawyers, mediators and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners (FDRPs), responding appropriately to allegations or indicators of family…
To petnup or not to petnup- that is the question!
Pets are an important part of family life. When the family unit breaks down, this impacts on our pets as well as on us. The shock, uncertainty, grief and loss that we feel is also communicated to our pets. Stable routines will falter, consistent positive attention will crumble, and the overwhelming sense of change, and…
Pets on the Pedestal
I have had at least one pet as a member of my household throughout my life. At this time I have a dog, cat and chickens, who are definitely part of my family, and whose needs must be taken into account when any family decision is made that impacts on them. They are part of…
Tips and Traps for working under a s102NA grant
Having accepted a number of these grants this year, I am reviewing what I have learnt about these very difficult matters, and share this here in the hope that it might assist others also operating in this space, or considering doing so. The best place to search for information about this area of practice is…