The law offers protection to victims of violence including those suffering from domestic violence. A victim of violence can make a complaint to police who will lay criminal charges, such as assault, against the alleged offender. Protection against violence or abuse can be obtained by seeking an Apprehended Violence Order.
Domestic violence is the most common form of violence in Australia.
It's usually defined as physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or economic abuse between people who are, or who were, in an intimate personal relationship, who are relatives, or who share a house. In the overwhelming majority of cases, it is women who are the victims of domestic violence. Report to the police Crimes of violence should be reported to the police, and if the police believe a person has been assaulted, they can charge the alleged offender with assault. If the charge is proven in court, criminal convictions and punishment will result. It's up to the police to decide whether or not somebody will be charged and whether or not the matter will go to court.