Today’s topic is a sensitive and potentially distressing topic. If you or someone you now needs support: 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) is Australia's national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling line, available 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
This is part one of a two-part series focusing on Family and Domestic Violence. Did you know that 27% of Australian women over the age of 15 have experienced violence, emotional abuse or economic abuse from a partner which represents 1 in 4 women. Breaking that down a little further,
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17% (1.7 million) who have experienced partner violence (physical and/or sexual)
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23% (2.3 million) who have experienced partner emotional abuse
- 16% (1.6 million) who have experienced partner economic abuse
This means that women that have been subjected to this type of abuse are sitting in our friendship groups, our workplaces, and very likely, listening to this podcast right now. This is a highly sensitive, multi-faceted and complex area, and the women that are victims may or may not recognise what is happening. Physical abuse is obvious and abhorrent, however the more coercive types of abuse such as emotional, technological and financial abuse may be more subtle and patterns from the perpetrator may evolve over time.
So in this episode, Naomi sits down with Bron O’Loan, Principal Director at O'Loan Family Law and an Accredited Specialist in Family Law to discuss:
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The four faces of abuse — coercive control, financial abuse, tech-facilitated abuse and physical abuse, and how they often show up together rather than as one clean category
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Why safety planning comes before legal strategy — including the doubt so many women feel ("is this even serious enough?") and how Stockholm syndrome makes it harder to see clearly
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Why leaving is actually the most dangerous moment, and what that means for safety planning
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What the law says about children who witness violence against a parent — and why "staying for the kids" isn't the protection it can feel like
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Why trauma changes the way victims tell their own story — and why inconsistency or minimising isn't a red flag
Should you wish to connect with Bron, you can find her at: O'Loan Family Law:
If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone who might need to hear it — your sister, your daughter, your best friend. You can find Naomi at Her Money Matters | hermoneymatters.com.au
Disclaimer: Everything discussed in this episode is general information only. It doesn't take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Naomi is not providing financial product advice in this episode. Before making any decisions based on what you hear, please consider whether this information is appropriate for your circumstances, and speak to a qualified professional if you need personal advice. Bron is speaking in her professional capacity as a family lawyer, sharing general legal information based on her experience. This is not legal advice, and it does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Neither Naomi nor our guest are providing medical, psychological or therapeutic advice in this episode.
Some of today's content discusses trauma responses and family violence, which some listeners may find distressing. Naomi Holmes and Her Money Matters are licensed by Alethea Partners Pty Ltd, Australian Financial Services Licence 557729.
