“I Thought There Must Be Something Wrong With Me”
2026-05-29 Family Violence Episode 3 (1) Understanding Emotional and Psychological Family Violence Through Maria’s Story Reflections from an experienced family lawyer and mediator at Creative Family Law Solutions One of the most misunderstood forms of family violence is emotional and psychological abuse. Unlike physical violence, there may be no bruises, broken bones, or visible injuries.…
The impact of family violence on a victim’s decision-making by Angela Damianopoulos
Violence and abusive behaviour often intensify during family law proceedings, particularly in situations involving coercive control, where a perpetrator’s sense of power or dominance feels threatened. This escalation raises an important question for legal practitioners: how does ongoing abuse affect a victim’s ability to make decisions about their safety, their children, and their legal options?…
Changing the focus for family violence with The Safe & Together™ Model by David Mandel.
Reflections from an experienced family lawyer and mediator at Creative Family Law Solutions For many years, responses to family violence were often focused on what was wrong with the victim-survivor, or how the violence had affected the children. While understanding trauma and supporting recovery remain critically important, these approaches sometimes overlooked a fundamental question: Who…
What Why Does He Do That? Teaches Family Lawyers and Mediators About Family Violence
Reflections from an experienced family lawyer and mediator at Creative Family Law Solutions One of the greatest challenges for family lawyers, mediators, counsellors, and support professionals is understanding the behaviour of a person who uses family violence. Victim-survivors often ask: “Why is he doing this?” “Does he know what he is doing?” “Can he change?”…
“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…