What is family violence?
Family violence is behaviour of a family member that makes you fearful, makes you do things you don’t want to, or is used to control you.
If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For non-emergency help from the police, call 131 444.
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What is family violence?
Family violence is:
- violence, or a threat of violence, by someone towards a family member, or
- any other behaviour, or pattern of behaviour that coerces or controls another family member or causes them to be fearful.
This behaviour, or pattern of behaviour:
- may occur over a period of time; and
- may be more than 1 act, or a series of acts, that when considered cumulatively coerces or controls the family member or causes the member to be fearful; and
- is to be considered in the context of the relationship between the person and the family member as a whole
Who is a family member?
The definition of family member is broad and covers current and former spouses, partners, siblings, children, parents, grandparents and step-family relationships, as well as other relatives and members of intimate or family-type relationships. It also covers the former spouse or de facto partner of the protected person’s current spouse or de facto partner.
In relation to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children, it covers a person who, in accordance with their culture (including but not limited to any kinship system) is related to the child.
What are some examples of family violence?
Family violence is not just physical violence or threats of violence. It can include forms of financial, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse.
Some examples of behaviour or patterns of behaviour that is family violence include:
- assaults – being hit, kicked, pushed, spat on
- threatening to hit
- sexual assault
- unwanted sexual behaviour that makes someone feel ashamed, upset or scared
- stalking
- repeated insults or critical comments
- damaging or destroying property
- killing or injuring an animal belonging to a family member
- controlling finances or being unreasonable about providing money needed to meet reasonable living expenses
- keeping a family member away from their family, friends or culture
- depriving someone of their freedom
- holding someone against their will
- repeated unwanted or offensive texts
- pressure, threats or abuse in connection with demanding or receiving dowry
- sharing or threatening to share intimate personal pictures or videos.
Even if a person gets someone else to do the above sorts of things, they will have been taken to have committed family violence.
When are children exposed to family violence?
Children can suffer serious psychological harm from being exposed to family violence.
A child is exposed to family violence if they see, hear or experience the effects of family violence, such as:
- overhearing threats of violence
- seeing or hearing an assault of a family member
- comforting or helping a family member who has been assaulted
- cleaning up a place after an assault or property damage, or
- being there when police or ambulance officers come after there has been family violence.
How can Legal Aid WA help?
You can find information about Legal Aid WA services who specialise in family violence on our webpage, Get help with family violence and your safety.
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Reviewed: 20 March 2025