Psychological harm is real, profound and legally recognised. In this episode, Ms Carmella explains how fear, isolation, degradation and exposure to violence impact adults and children—even when no physical injuries occur.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Surveillance is not care—it’s control. In this episode, Ms Carmella explores digital monitoring, location tracking, password demands, and tech‑based coercive control, and explains the legal protections available to victims.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Financial contribution does not cancel out coercive control. Ms Carmella explains economic abuse, financial dependence, and how “being a provider” is often used to mask intimidation, restriction and punishment.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Substance use and mental health issues may increase risk, but they do not excuse violence. In this episode, Ms Carmella breaks down accountability, risk factors, and why courts treat violence as a choice—not a symptom.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

False allegations are rare; under‑reporting is common. Ms Carmella in this episode unpacks how this myth harms victims, misleads courts, and undermines safety. Essential listening for anyone navigating family law or DFV systems.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Leaving is often the most dangerous time. Ms Carmella in this episode explores why victims stay—fear, children, finances, threats, disability, migration status—and why staying is a survival strategy, not a measure of severity.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Conflict is mutual. Violence is not. Ms Carmella explains the difference between healthy disagreement and coercive control, and why treating abuse as “mutual conflict” hides risk, silences victims, and distorts legal responses.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Anger, stress, alcohol or jealousy are often used to excuse violence. Ms Carmella breaks down why family violence is not about “losing control” but about patterns of entitlement, intimidation and power. A critical look at accountability and the myths that protect abusive behaviour.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Family violence is far broader than physical assault. In this episode, Ms Carmella explains coercive control, non‑physical abuse, and how Victorian law defines family violence through fear, domination and impact—not injuries. A foundational episode for understanding modern DFV frameworks.

For more information or assistance with domestic family violence issues, visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Welcome to our Podcast series In Conversations about Family Violence -You Do Not Have To Put Up with It” - hosted by Ms Carmella, Principal Lawyer & Director, Founder of DFV Lawyers.

Our podcast series 3 focuses on Understanding Family Violence: The Myths & Misconceptions and Lived Realities. 

In this series, we unpack the myths that continue to shape how people understand, minimise, or excuse family violence. These myths harm victim survivors, distort public understanding, and undermine accountability.

For more information visit www.domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au