In this concluding episode of Series Two of You Don’t Have to Put Up With It, Ms Carmella of DFV Lawyers reflects on the powerful client experiences shared throughout the series and the broader challenges people face when navigating domestic and family violence matters in Victoria.

Across the series, listeners heard from both applicants and a respondent about coercive control, manipulation, emotional abuse, intimidation, fear, isolation, system navigation and the lasting personal impact of family violence. These stories were confronting, deeply important and a reminder that family violence matters are complex, human and often misunderstood.

This final episode also examines a difficult but important issue: the misuse and weaponisation of intervention orders. Ms Carmella discusses how intervention orders are designed to protect people from violence, not to be used strategically in family law disputes, property disputes, visa disputes or as a tactic to remove a partner from the home.

The episode highlights that when intervention orders are deliberately misused, the harm extends beyond the individuals involved. It can become a form of systems abuse, undermining the purpose of the family violence framework and damaging community trust in protections designed for those genuinely at risk.

This is essential listening for professionals, advocates, community members and anyone seeking a more balanced understanding of family violence, intervention orders and the importance of using legal protections properly.

For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au/carmella-acciarito/

In this important episode of You Do Not Have to Put Up With It, Ms Carmella from DFV Lawyers examines a difficult and often uncomfortable issue within the family violence system: the weaponisation of intervention orders.

Intervention orders exist to protect adults and children from family violence, reduce further harm, and promote accountability for those who use violence. But in some cases, these orders are misused deliberately, strategically and harmfully for reasons unrelated to safety.

Carmella discusses how intervention order applications can be weaponised in family law disputes, property disputes, immigration matters, parenting conflicts and attempts to remove a partner from the home. Drawing on de-identified case examples, this episode explores how misuse can unfold, how it can backfire, and how courts, Victoria Police and the broader system may respond when the truth becomes clear.

The episode also considers the wider impact of false, exaggerated or strategically motivated applications. When intervention orders are misused, the harm extends beyond the person targeted. It drains police and court resources, delays urgent matters, increases pressure on an already stretched system, and can place genuine victims at greater risk.

This episode is essential listening for legal professionals, advocates, community members and anyone seeking a more balanced understanding of family violence, intervention orders and systems abuse in Victoria.

For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au/carmella-acciarito/

In this confronting episode of You Do Not Have to Put Up With It, Ms Carmella from DFV Lawyers speaks with “Gary,” a former client who shares his experience as a male survivor of family violence.

Gary describes how conflict in his relationship escalated into intimidation, objects being thrown, fear, emotional distress and a growing sense that he could not safely remain in his own home. He also speaks candidly about the shame and disbelief many men can experience when trying to disclose abuse, particularly when others struggle to recognise that family violence can affect men as well as women.

This conversation explores the difficult realities of male survivor experiences, including humiliation, isolation, fear of not being believed, concern about being seen as the problem, and the challenge of managing anger without escalating the situation. Gary also reflects on the legal process, police involvement, the importance of being properly heard, and the need for frontline responders and practitioners to recognise family violence without assumptions or unconscious bias.

The episode also examines recovery, accountability, emotional regulation and the importance of seeking professional support. Gary’s story highlights that family violence does not have a single face. It can happen to women, men, children, parents and older people, and every situation deserves to be taken seriously.

For anyone feeling overwhelmed, unheard or misunderstood, Gary’s message is clear: you are not alone, support exists, and there are safe ways to seek help without escalating conflict.

For more information, visit https://domesticfamilyviolencelawyers.au/carmella-acciarito/