In Conversations About Family Violence – You Do Not Have To Put Up With It!

In this concluding episode of the six-part podcast series In Conversations About Family Violence, Miss Carmella, Founder, Director and Principal Family Violence and Criminal Lawyer of DFV Lawyers, reflects on the purpose and impact of this landmark series.

Created as an accessible, evidence-based and trauma-informed resource, the series explores the escalating crisis of domestic and family violence in Victoria, across Australia, and globally. Across the episodes, listeners are guided through the history of family violence, emerging risk factors, legal and system responses, recent reforms, the role of law enforcement, and the serious consequences when systems fail to work together.

This final episode reinforces the central message of the series: no one has to put up with family violence, and no one should have to navigate it alone. It highlights the importance of understanding individual rights, available protections, and clear pathways to safety, support and legal assistance.

Designed for the community, practitioners, students and anyone seeking clarity in this complex area of law, the series reflects DFV Lawyers’ commitment to community education, accessible legal knowledge and trauma-informed advocacy. 

For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

From Family Violence Intervention Orders to support services and everything in between, in this, the final part of our six-part series on domestic and family violence, we provide a clear, simple guide on what happens after Victoria Police attend a family violence incident, and how they continue to support your safety.

For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

In this, the fifth part of our series on domestic and family violence, we look at real-world tips for responding to family violence in Victoria.

We cover:

Safety priorities

Warnings signs

Support options

Legal protections

The importance of having a plan

and much, much more.

For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

In this, the second part of our two-part special on Understanding Family Violence in Victoria – The Legislation and the Courts, we continue our discussion around :

1. Expanded Definition of Family Violence

2. Tackling Misidentification of Victim‑Survivors

3. Stronger Requirements for Police and Courts

4. Minimum Age for Respondents to FVIOs

5. Preventing Young People From “Ageing Out” of Protection

For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au

Family violence in Victoria is governed by one of the most comprehensive legal frameworks in Australia. The law has evolved significantly over the past four decades, moving from a narrow understanding of “domestic disputes” to a modern, evidence‑based recognition of patterns of coercive control, psychological abuse, and systemic harm.

In this episode, we explore a clear timeline and explanation of how Victoria’s legislation has developed — and what it means today.

Is Domestic and Family Violence Something New in Australia?

No. Domestic and family violence is not new — it is centuries old.

Its origins can be traced through English common law, European social norms, and early colonial practices that shaped gender relations in Australia long before modern legal reforms.

In this episode, we look at:

• Family Violence Before Colonisation: English Law and the “Right to Chastise”
• 18th‑Century England: Wife Beating as a Social Norm
• Early Victorian Colonisation: Importing Patriarchy to Australia
• Why the Legal System Offered Almost No Protection in the Past
• Queen Victoria and Early Reform
• Women’s Rights Movements Begin

For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au/

Australia has seen a significant rise in people charged with family and domestic violence offences.

• Police recorded 97,800 offenders in the 2024–25 financial year, an 8% increase from the previous year — the largest rise since national reporting began.
• This equates to 403 offenders per 100,000 people, the highest rate ever recorded.
• Around 78% of offenders are men, with most aged between 30 and 39.

These increases may reflect both more incidents and stronger policing, including new laws such as coercive control offences.

In this episode, we explore the causal drivers behind the increase in domestic and family violence in Australia.

In this, the first episode of our six-part series, we take a deep dive into DFV Lawyers, who they are, what they do, and how they can help.

If you are suffering from family or domestic violence issues, this is the first step towards a brighter future.

DFV Lawyers is proud to launch “In Conversations About Family Violence – You Do Not Have To Put Up With It,” a six-part podcast series hosted by Ms Carmella Acciarito, Founder and Principal Domestic & Family Violence Lawyer.

You deserve safety, respect, and peace.

That’s the heart of our new podcast series, In Conversations About Family Violence – You Do Not Have To Put Up With It, hosted by Ms Carmella Acciarito, Principal Lawyer and Founder of DFV Lawyers.

This series is designed to inform, empower, and support anyone affected by family violence — as well as the professionals and community members who walk alongside them.

Through six thoughtful episodes, Carmella breaks down the realities of family violence in Australia, the legal protections available, and the vital role of police, courts, and support services.

If you or someone you know is living with fear or control, this podcast is a reminder:

You are not alone, and help is available.

As Australia faces rising rates of domestic and family violence, this series provides clear, accessible insights into:

• the national escalation of DFV- What’s going on in Australia?

• the historical conceptions of family violence in Australia- When did this all start in Australia?

• Victoria’s legislative and legal framework- What is the law in this area and how do the courts 

• the role of Victoria Police- How do the Victoria Police get involved in family disputes?

• practical strategies for safety and support services.

This podcast is essential listening for professionals, advocates, and community members committed to understanding and responding to family violence.