Family Violence, Safety & Consent Orders

Accordly's strength lies in helping cooperative couples document their genuine agreements. However, this approach assumes both parties can participate safely and make free choices about their future.

We strongly encourage traditional legal representation if any of these apply:

• Physical violence or threats — Any history of assault, threatening behaviour, or being afraid of your former partner's reaction.
• Controlling behaviour — Financial control, social isolation, surveillance, or preventing access to documents.
• Coercive patterns — Persistent pressure to agree, threats about consequences, using children as leverage, or emotional manipulation.
• Safety concerns — Feeling unsafe during interactions, worrying about their reaction to legal proceedings, or fear of escalation.

Traditional legal services can provide safety planning, court protection orders, specialist expertise in trauma and family violence, and individual representation ensuring your interests are protected independently.

One of the most challenging aspects of family violence is that coerced agreements can look very similar to genuine agreements from the outside. Courts are increasingly aware of this issue.

What genuine agreement looks like: Both parties have time to consider options without pressure, each person can seek independent advice, decisions reflect actual priorities, and there's room for negotiation.

Red flags that may indicate coercion:

• Rushed decision-making — Excessive pressure to agree quickly, "take it or leave it" ultimatums.
• Fear-based compliance — Agreeing because you're afraid of consequences, not because the terms are fair.
• Information control — Being denied access to financial information or told lies about your legal rights.
• Isolation tactics — Being discouraged from discussing arrangements with friends, family, or professionals.

Trust your instincts. If something feels too good to be true, or if you feel uneasy despite getting a "good deal," there may be subtle coercion at play.

Many people in family violence situations don't recognise what's happening, particularly if the abuse has been psychological or financial rather than physical. It's completely normal to feel uncertain about whether your situation involves family violence.

1800 RESPECT — National Domestic Violence Helpline
Phone: 1800 737 732 (24/7, free, confidential)
Online: 1800respect.org.au

Trained counsellors can help you understand whether your experiences constitute family violence, explore options without pressure, develop safety plans, and connect you with local services and legal support.

State-based services are available in every state and territory. Contact your state's Women's Legal Service (these support all people regardless of gender) or state Legal Aid family violence unit for free legal advice about your rights and options, representation in court proceedings, and referrals to other support services.