Domestic and Family Violence
One incident can quickly become a cycle of abuse. Seek legal support as soon as possible with Joplin Lawyers, your strong female voice.
Ending an abusive relationship is a brave decision - & one you won’t regret. With the help of an experienced domestic violence lawyer, you can take action that ensures your safety.
Championing change in the battle against domestic abuse, we tackle family violence at its root cause to halt the cycle for good. From Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) and divorce applications to property and parenting matters, we give women the legal guidance needed to get out of abusive relationships.
Taking great care to provide an empowering environment throughout the family law process, our mission is to protect you from harm and connect you with the right support services.
If you are living in fear of domestic violence, please seek urgent legal assistance. The sooner you make an appointment, the sooner we can support you to stay safe and start fresh.
- Member of the Law Society – Children’s Law Committee and Family Law Committee
- Hunter Valley Family Law Practitioners Association
- 2021 Order of Australia Medal ‘Service to the Law’
- 2021 Finalist: Regional / Suburban Lawyer of the Year, Australian Law Awards
- 2021 Finalist: Regional / Suburban Law Firm of the Year, Australian Law Awards
- 2021 Pro Bono Award Women Legal Services of NSW
We empower the women behind the numbers
Take the first steps to break free from abuse
If you feel ready to separate from an abusive partner, it is crucial that you understand the documents, belongings and resources required to protect yourself and your children moving forward.
Preparing a personalised safety plan and emergency bag are the first steps towards removing yourself and your family from domestic violence. A safety plan details the actions to take if faced with imminent danger at home, while our checklist features everything to bring when you leave.
Together, they ensure you have the essentials to build a peaceful future independently. Once separated for at least 12 months, you will be able to get a divorce and finalise your freedom.
Protect your child’s wellbeing and security
Leaving a violent partner can seem impossible, especially if you fear for your family’s wellbeing after separation. An experienced Family Law solicitor will equip you with the legal advice and representation required to give your child a happy home away from harm.
Protecting your family is our utmost priority. From Consent Orders and relocation applications to child support, we are available to guide you through any parenting matter in the face of domestic abuse.
Your domestic violence lawyer. Your voice when yours isn’t strong enough.
At the forefront of reform
Combatting the root cause of domestic abuse is a cause we feel personally connected to. Awarded the Westpac Social Change Fellowship for her advocacy and passion for addressing family violence issues, Joplin is involved with several initiatives in New South Wales to strengthen awareness of their causes and impacts on our community.
Empowerment during the legal process
It takes courage to seek help from a domestic violence lawyer. That’s why we strive to ensure you feel comfortable and protected throughout the Family Law process. Our boutique Family Law firm in the Hunter Valley is a safe and empowering space whenever needed for women all over Australia.
Discreet & sensitive support
Your privacy and protection are paramount. As your domestic violence lawyers, we do everything in our power to ensure all of our communications are discreet and confidential. No matter where, when or how you would like to speak with me, we promise to make it work so your voice can be heard.
Partnerships that last a lifetime
Starting a new chapter after domestic violence can be a challenging solo journey. We will be by your side every step of the way to ensure your safety and security. Receiving personalised support from the moment you get in touch, we will foster strong bonds that last long after your case has come to a close.
I know the strength it takes to lead a life on the land
Hailing from five generations of farming in the heartland of the United States of America (Nebraska), a shearing family from Garah on my maternal side and having grown up in regional NSW and QLD, my roots in rural life run deep
Now based in the heart of the Hunter Valley with my husband, a fourth-generation farmer from the Riverina, I understand both the beauty and burdens of country living first-hand. My in-depth knowledge of the agricultural issues faced by farming families and my steadfast connections with the women around me have cultivated my career as a lawyer. The backbone of our nation, rural communities are rich in resilience and solidarity – yet accessing Family Law services is still a challenge that many rural women have to bear. Know that you are not alone, wherever you may be. Here to empower marginalised women across regional Australia, I am rolling up my sleeves and breaking down the barriers to legal support on the land I have always called home.
Domestic violence FAQs
Domestic violence is classified as behaviour towards a family member or person you are in a relationship with, that is physically, emotionally, sexually, economically, financial, controlling, coercive, and/or psychologically abusive behaviour. Crucially, domestic violence is not always physical. Also known as family violence, it can manifest as threats, coercion, manipulation and other non-physical behaviours that make the target fear for their safety.
Domestic violence can include:
- Actions including punching, shoving, strangling and the use of weapons;
- Nonconsensual sexual advances, from unwanted physical contact to forced sexual acts on the abuser and rape;
- Manipulative messages and behaviours to undermine your self-confidence, degrade and/or shame you;
- Financial control that renders you unable to make independent decisions about your spending or saving; and
- Social control that renders you unable to make independent decisions about where, when and with who you spend your spare time.
We will help you to protect yourself from harm and leave the perpetrator in your past. Please get in touch with Joplin Lawyers to make an appointment today.
Domestic abuse comes in many forms and it is not restricted to the family home. Some of to most common red flags to watch out for include:
- He has a history of domestic violence;
- He has already or almost physically harmed you and/or your children;
- He regularly criticises you and/or your children;
- He has accused you of having an affair or flirting with other men;
- He undermines your looks, opinions or parenting in front of others;
- He calls all of the shots in your relationship;
- He makes it difficult for you to spend any time alone, always demanding to know where you are, with who and why;
- He insults your family and friends and/or tries to stop them from spending time with you;
- He forces you to engage in sexual acts that you are not comfortable with;
- He controls your mobile phone, social media and internet use, including passwords and time spent on digital devices;
- He insists that you wear certain clothes and look a certain way;
- He attempts to control where you work, how often and with who;
- He has limited or completely blocked your access to bank accounts, credit cards, cash and other financial resources; and
- He has made a threat to kill you, himself or someone you love if you separate.
If some of the above signs of domestic abuse sound all too familiar, it is important to protect yourself and your child. Please get in touch to make an appointment when you feel ready to take legal action or seek support services.
Yes. Emotional abuse is a form of domestic violence that must be taken seriously. As well as being damaging to your mental health.
- Emotional abuse includes any non-physical behaviours that are intended to control, isolate, or intimidate you. It can be expressed in many forms, including:
- Verbal threats and insults;
- Persistent monitoring;
- Unbridled jealousy;
- Manipulation; and
- Humiliation tactics
If you feel that your partner is being emotionally abusive and would like to take legal action, please make an appointment with Joplin Lawyers today.
Yes. Verbal abuse is a serious form of domestic violence that can be detrimental to your mental wellbeing.
If you are the target of verbal abuse, please make an appointment with Joplin Lawyers to discuss your legal options. We are here to help you protect yourself and your loved ones from family violence.
Yes, domestic violence is a criminal offence. Under Section 4B of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW), guilty offenders may face imprisonment or a Court Order depending on the nature of the crime.
To discuss the potential outcomes of your case with an experienced domestic violence solicitor, please make an appointment with Joplin Lawyers today.
If you are in an abusive relationship, it can feel like there is no way out. Know that you are not alone. At Joplin Lawyers, we are here to empower you with the unwavering legal support, advice and protection you need to move on with your life.
When you are planning to get out of an abusive relationship, every second counts. To make the first step towards safety, please read our guide on how to leave an abusive marriage or domestic relationship.
As soon as you are ready to take legal action and discover the range of support services available to you, please make an appointment with Joplin Lawyers to discuss your options.
How can a lawyer assist victims of domestic violence?
A domestic or family violence lawyer will help you to implement the measures needed to ensure you and your child’s safety. At Joplin Lawyers, legal services for domestic violence cases include:
- Apprehended Violence Orders;
- Divorce;
- Property settlement;
- Childcare arrangements;
- Child support;
- Immigration issues due to relationship breakdown as a result of domestic violence;
- Victim support services; and
- Financial issues such as mortgage payments and outstanding debts.
As well as equipping you with domestic violence legal advice, support and representation, we can put you in touch with the right support services to help you get through this difficult time. These include financial resources, mental health care and accommodation providers.
The cost of a domestic violence lawyer will depend on the complexity and duration of your case, as well as the legal actions you wish to take. If you are unable to afford a lawyer, rest assured Legal Aid is available for domestic violence cases – provided you pass the qualification tests.
As an experienced lawyer on the Domestic Violence Panel with the NSW Legal Aid Commission, Joplin can help you to reclaim your confidence, safety and freedom. Please make an appointment to discuss your eligibility and options today.