--- title: Family Violence - The Lasting Impact on Parenting Arrangements description: East Coast Family Law untangles parenting arrangements when family violence plays a role in a separation in New South Wales. image: https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Blog%2032%20resized-1.jpg --- - [Home](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) - [Family Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/) - [Conveyancing](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/) - [Business Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/business-law/) - [Contact Us](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/contact-us/) [Conveyancing](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living) ### A blog for easier living Life was meant to be easy Today's world throws us many curveballs. Join us for tips & life hacks that straighten the curves & help you enjoy the ride. Sign up   [Living Blog Home](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living) [Family Law](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/family-law) [Conveyancing](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/conveyancing) [Featured](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/featured) [Business](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/tag/business) # Family Violence - The Lasting Impact on Parenting Arrangements Jul 15, 2019 4:24:10 PM ![Blog 32 resized-1](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Blog%2032%20resized-1.jpg) Family violence is a large problem in Australia, and it continues to grow. When it comes to making parenting arrangements it is imperative that the best interest of the child is taken into account. So how can acts of family violence impact parenting arrangements and how can you get help? We'll answer all of these questions below.  ## Defining Family Violence  The [Family Law Act of 1975](https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00694) defines family violence as:  "Violent, threatening or other behaviour by a person that coerces or controls a member of the person’s family (the family member), or causes the family member to be fearful." Examples of family or domestic violence include but are not limited to:  - Assault (including sexually abusive behaviour or sexual assault) - Damaging or intentionally destroying property  - Causing death to or intentionally injuring an animal  - Making repeated derogatory remarks or taunts - Preventing said family member from forming meaningful connections - Stalking - Unlawfully depriving any member of the family of their liberty ## The Risks of Exposing Children to Family Violence  There are numerous proven risks of exposing children to family violence that can have a big impact on parenting agreements. Research proves that children who have exposure to family violence are at a higher risk of having issues later in life, particularly when they reach their teenage years. A few of the [documented risks](http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/reports-and-publications/publications/family+violence/exposure-to-family-violence-and-its-effect-on-children) include:  - Developing antisocial problems or depression such as delinquency or violent behaviours - Developing difficulties controlling emotions - Developing poor reading and language skills - Developing poor relationships with one or both parents - Having difficulties making and maintaining friendships ## How Family Violence Impacts Parenting Arrangements  Australian law rules that children have a right to form meaningful relationships with both of their parents and stay safe from harm. They will attempt family dispute resolution first if it is safe to do so. If the parents can't or won't cooperate, the court may rule that co-parenting isn't in the child's best interests. If this is the case, the court will rule in the child's best interests. They will prioritise the child's safety above all else. The court may decide that the child is better with one parent over the other. They may set up parenting plans for both parties that put the child's healthy adjustment first. ## Where to seek help When you need help to provide the best quality care for your child, there are several places you can turn to for help. In NSW and Australia, these include: Domestic Violence Line  1800 656 463   Legal Aid 1800 551 589   1800RESPECT 1800 737 732   You can also download our ebook, *Domestic and Family Violence: How to get support in domestic violence relationships. *It comes packed with resources that you can use to get the help you need to protect yourself and your child.    [![New call-to-action](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/4143762/21eab726-b612-4c0f-8340-0d866f941584.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/4143762/21eab726-b612-4c0f-8340-0d866f941584) Share [Return to Blog](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog) ### Archive ##### Archive 2022 [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2022/01) 2021 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/11) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/05) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/02) [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2021/01) 2020 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/07) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2020/02) 2019 [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/07) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/02) [January](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2019/01) 2018 [December](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/12) [November](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/11) [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/07) [June](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/06) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2018/02) 2017 [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/07) [May](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/05) [April](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/04) [March](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/03) [February](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2017/02) 2016 [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/09) [August](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/08) [July](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2016/07) 2015 [October](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2015/10) [September](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/archive/2015/09) - ![Domestic and Family Violence: How to get support in domestic violence relationships](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Domestic-Violence-ebook-Mockup-Web.png) #### Domestic and Family Violence: How to get support in domestic violence relationships ## Whether it is you, a friend or a relative at risk, it is important to know that there is help available. This ebook will help answer some of the common issues surrounding domestic and family violence including: - What is domestic violence? - What are the signs of a controlling relationship? - Where can you get support? [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/domestic-family-violence-ebook-download) - ![Downsizing your home; selling and downsizing tips for Seniors](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECC-Downsizing-eBook-Mockup-Resize2.png) #### Downsizing your home; selling and downsizing tips for Seniors ## This free ebook has downsizing tips for seniors and practical advice if you're thinking about moving home, including:   - When the right time to downsize is - How to calculate your retirement budget - How to find a new home - What you should keep and let go [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/downsizing-ebook-lp) - ![Care and Protection: Know Your Rights and Where to Get Support](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Care-and-Protection-eBook-Mockup-Resized.png) #### Care and Protection: Know Your Rights and Where to Get Support ## Download this guide to find out information on child care and protection services:   Answer questions such as: - What is child care and protection? - When can a child be taken from their parents? - What are your rights as a parent? [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/ecfl-care-and-protection-ebook-lp?hsCtaTracking=0650839b-3d5b-41b5-94e3-2d63abb88d3a%7C8955ac85-c33c-411b-acb8-af786fe0439d) - ![Download our Easy guide to Investment Properties](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECC-Investment-Properties-ebook-CTA.png) #### Download our Easy guide to Investment Properties ## This free ebook can help you turn a big profit with property   Find out more about: - How to find the best properties - How to finance your investment - How to negotiate with agents - How to make profit from your property Fill in your details for instant access to your ebook. [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/investment-properties-how-to-get-the-best-deal-ebook) - ![Property settlement; Know your rights when dividing property assets](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Ebook-cover/ECFL-Property-Settlement-ebook-CTA.png) #### Property settlement; Know your rights when dividing property assets ## Helping you navigate the waters of a property settlement with your former partner   Find out these answers and more: - How soon you can get divorced - When you can begin property settlement - How to get a fair outcome Fill in your details for instant access to your ebook. [Download](https://pages.eastcoastlaw.com.au/ecfl-property-settlement-ebook-lp) ### Recent Posts ##### Recent Articles [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/divorce-3194994_1920.jpg) How to get a Divorce Jan 13, 2022 11:17:13 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-get-a-divorce) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/con.jpg) What is a Conveyancer? What do they do? When do you need one? Nov 27, 2021 7:13:45 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/what-is-a-conveyancer-what-do-they-do-when-do-you-need-one) [![power_of_attorney](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic%201-1.jpg) What is an enduring power of attorney? Jun 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/what-is-an-enduring-power-of-attorney) [![the_cooling_off_period_australia](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/House_On_Icecream.jpg) Cooling-off period: what home buyers need to know Jun 1, 2021 9:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/cooling-off-period-what-home-buyers-need-to-know) [![Coercive_Control](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic%201.jpg) Coercive Control: What Is It and Where Can I Get Help? May 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/coercive-control-what-is-it-and-where-can-i-get-help) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/Pic10.jpg) Retirement Village Contracts: What You Need to Know May 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/retirement-village-contracts-what-you-need-to-know) [![](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECFL%20-%20Option%202.jpg) How to navigate de facto property settlement Apr 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-navigate-de-facto-property-settlement) [![granny-flat](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECC%20-%20Option%201.jpg) How to establish a granny flat on your existing property Apr 1, 2021 10:00:00 AM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-establish-a-granny-flat-on-your-existing-property) [![property-inspections](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECC%20March%20Blog%20Post%20Image.jpg) Pre-settlement inspection: what home buyers need to know Mar 1, 2021 1:11:00 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/pre-settlement-inspection-what-home-buyers-need-to-know) [![child-support](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/ECFL%20March%20Blog%20Post%20Image.jpg) How to ensure your child is in the best situation: Negotiating child support Mar 1, 2021 1:04:43 PM](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/living-blog/how-to-ensure-your-child-is-in-the-best-situation-negotiating-child-support) ###### Never miss an Article ## Get the latest articles straight to your inbox ## See how our other specialised services can help you: [![East Coast law](https://blog.eastcoastlaw.com.au/hubfs/East_Coast_April2018%20Theme/Images/logo.svg?t=1538115486151)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) [![Conveyancing](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/themes/main/images/logo-conveyancing.png)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/) [![Family Law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/themes/main/images/logo-fm.png)](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/) #### Newcastle [02 4920 6511](tel:02%204920%206511) 2/342 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300 **PO Address** PO Box 512, Newcastle NSW 2300 #### Maitland [02 4934 1679](tel:02%204934%201679) 38 Elgin St, Maitland NSW 2320 **PO Address** PO Box 34, Maitland NSW 2320 #### Toukley [02 4397 1788](tel:02%204397%201788) Shop C/ 229 Main Rd, Toukley NSW 2263 **PO Address** PO Box 718, Toukley NSW 2263 #### Port Macquarie [02 6583 7949](tel:02%206583%207949) Galleria Building Suite 3, 128 William St Port Macquarie NSW 2444 **PO Address** PO Box 2625, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 #### Edgeworth [02 4958 5363](tel:02%204958%205363) 3 Aluminium Close, Edgeworth NSW 2285 **PO Address** PO Box 4061, Edgeworth NSW 2285 [East Coast law](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/) Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. © 2018 East Coast Law Group. [Disclaimer](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/conveyancing/disclaimer/). [Privacy](https://www.eastcoastlaw.com.au/family-law/privacy-policy/). - - **Address:** **Phone:** [1300 735 947](tel:1300%20735%20947) Next Previous ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=202366093720199&ev=PageView%20%20%20&noscript=1)