The Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 represents a significant step forward in addressing various forms of family violence, including dowry abuse. By recognising dowry abuse as a form of economic and financial abuse, the Bill aims to offer better protection and support for victims within Australia’s family law system.

What is dowry abuse?

Dowry abuse involves coercion, harassment, or violence related to dowry demands, often resulting in severe physical, emotional, and financial harm. The Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 explicitly includes dowry abuse under the broader category of family violence, acknowledging the detrimental impact on victims.

Key provisions of the Bill:

1. Economic and Financial Abuse:

The Bill defines dowry abuse as part of economic and financial abuse, ensuring that all forms of financial coercion and exploitation are recognised as family violence. This broadens the understanding of family violence, highlighting the hardships faced by victims of dowry abuse.

2. Property and Spousal Maintenance Proceedings

The Bill mandates that family violence, including dowry abuse, be considered in property division and spousal maintenance decisions. This ensures that victims are not unfairly disadvantaged in financial settlements. Courts will now have tools to assess the economic impact of dowry abuse on victims, leading to fairer outcomes.

3. Support Services and Resources

The Bill calls for specialised support services for dowry abuse victims, including access to legal aid, counseling, and financial assistance tailored to the unique challenges they face. It encourages the development of programs and resources to help victims recover from the economic and emotional impact of dowry abuse.

What are the impacts of the Bill on victims?

The inclusion of dowry abuse in the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 provides vital support and protection for victims. By addressing the economic and financial aspects of dowry abuse, the Bill seeks to reduce the financial strain and emotional trauma experienced by victims and their families.

To summarise, the Family Law Amendment Bill 2024 represents a critical advancement in the fight against dowry abuse. By recognising it as a form of family violence and providing provisions for victim support, the Bill seeks to create a safer and fairer environment for those affected. Legal reforms and specialised support services will ensure victims of dowry abuse receive the justice and recovery they deserve.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any legal or professional advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified expert before making any decisions based on this article. 

Bill Mitroulas

Head of Migration at Questra Immigration. Managing and overseeing the growth and performance of Questra’s team of migration agents, while maintaining a client-centric and quality-driven approach. A registered migration agent since 2015 and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, with over 15 years’ experience in international education and 11 years in Australian Migration law.