Family violence

This exemption may apply to partners with either work or work preparation obligations.

A partner who has left a situation of family violence may be exempt from meeting all their work or work preparation obligations until they have had time to adjust to their new living circumstances. This is a full exemption.

You should talk to the regional Family Violence Response Co-ordinator before granting an exemption. You should also consider:

• Is the partner living in temporary refuge accommodation while they seek a permanent home?
• Are they helping children adjust to a new family situation?

Family violence is a term used to describe violence within the family and close personal relationships.

Family violence covers a broad range of controlling behaviours which typically involve fear, intimidation and emotional deprivation.

Family violence is defined as:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• psychological abuse including but not limited to intimidation, harassment, damage to property or threats of physical, sexual or psychological abuse

Partners who have recently left situations of family violence will not have to provide proof.

If a partner still needs an exemption after 3 months you can ask for proof. You should consult the regional Family Violence Response Co-ordinator for advice on the most appropriate way to proceed.

Proof can include statements from:

• their doctor
• their church
• their lawyer
• the police
• Women's Refuge
• any other person or organisation that is able to support the partner's application

• Full or partial exemptions

For an overview of the exemptions see: