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.