Is domestic violence accepted in Australia?

No, domestic violence is not accepted in Australia. It is a criminal offence under state and territory criminal law, subject to specific family violence intervention orders, and treated by the federal and state governments as a major public health and safety priority. The National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022 to 2032 sets a 10-year strategy for prevention, early intervention, response, and recovery.

Domestic and family violence covers physical assault, sexual assault, emotional and psychological abuse, financial abuse, controlling behaviour, stalking, and threats. Each state and territory has a specific family or domestic violence statute that defines the behaviour and allows for protective intervention orders. NSW operates under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007, Victoria under the Family Violence Protection Act 2008, Queensland under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, and equivalents in other states. Intervention orders can limit contact, require the offender to leave the home, and prohibit approaching specific places.

Domestic violence remains a serious national problem. About one woman in six and one man in 17 have experienced violence from a current or former partner since age 15. About one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner. Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of preventable death, disability, and ill health for Australian women aged 25 to 44. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disability, women in regional and remote areas, and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are disproportionately affected.

Support and reform efforts are substantial. The 1800RESPECT national counselling service (1800 737 732) offers 24-hour phone and online support. Specialist family violence courts operate in most states. Family violence leave (10 paid days a year for all employees) was introduced from 2023. Federal funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Violence Prevention Legal Services and for specialist violence-prevention organisations has expanded. Schools include respectful relationships education in their curricula. Workplace policies increasingly recognise domestic violence and support affected employees through safety planning, leave, and flexible work.