Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Act

Brief Description

The Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Act (2011) was passed in December 2011 and came into effect in the beginning of June 2012.

Article 8 of the Family Law Legislation Amendment (Family Violence and Other Measures) Act (2011) provides an expanded definition of domestic violence to more than just physical harm, such as denying a family member financial autonomy or the money required to meet reasonable living expenses, or harming a family member's pet.  Other changes to the law also include emotional abuse and preventing a person from maintaining contact with family, friends or their culture.