Community Engagement

Strengthening community understanding of domestic and family violence, coercive control, and trauma-informed legal responses.

Working with our community

DFV Lawyers is committed to strengthening community understanding of domestic and family violence, coercive control, and trauma-informed legal responses. As Australia’s and Victoria’s first dedicated Domestic & Family Violence law firm, we recognise that meaningful change requires not only legal advocacy, but active participation in community education, prevention, and sector reforms.

Our community engagement work focuses on equipping individuals, families, organisations, and service providers with clear, accessible and up-to-date information about the family violence system, legal rights, safety options, and pathways to support. We deliver education that empowers victim-survivors, supports frontline workers, and builds understanding of the complexities of family violence.

Our Purpose

Through community education and sector engagement, we aim to:

Improve understanding

Improve public understanding of family violence law.

Recognise harm

Support victim-survivors to recognise patterns of harm.

Equip practitioners

Equip practitioners with practical legal strategies.

Strengthen collaboration

Strengthen collaboration across community and professional sectors.

Contribute to safer communities

Contribute to national reform and safer communities.

Community engagement is central to our mission: ensuring that every person, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to clear information, legal protection, and pathways to safety.

Community Education Programs

We provide structured education for community groups, multicultural organisations, schools, health services, and professional audiences.

Practical, accessible education

Our programs offer clear information about family violence, legal rights, safety options, and available pathways. Each session is designed to improve early intervention, reduce risk, and support safer outcomes for people experiencing harm.

Understanding family violence and coercive control

Clear explanations of non-physical forms of abuse, early warning signs, and legal definitions.

Legal protections and court pathways

Practical guidance on Intervention Orders, police processes, court expectations, and safety planning.

Financial abuse and economic safety

Education on business structures, directorship rights, property protections, and financial recovery.

Trauma-informed practice

Training for organisations and professionals on safe, respectful engagement with victim-survivors.

Keynote Speaking and Sector Leadership

DFV Lawyers contributes to state and national conversations on family violence through keynote speaking at forums and professional events. Our presentations provide legal insight into:

Systemic reform and accountability
Risk assessment and safety planning

Legal responses to coercive control
Cross-sector collaboration between justice, health, and community services

Our keynote work aligns with state and national sector priorities and complements the work of organisations across the family violence sector.

Our Community Connections

We value the organisations, services, and forums working alongside us to build understanding, support victim-survivors, and create safer communities.