Health, Legal and Security Costs Associated with Improved Safety from Family Violence During Family Court Involvement

Led by La Trobe University, the research sheds light on a largely overlooked question in response to family violence: What does it cost families to become safe? 

The study followed 416 parents during their first year of involvement with the Australian family courts, examining spending on legal services, health care, counselling, well-being and physical security.

Across these areas, parents spent an average of $41,041 on out-of-pocket expenses over the year. While some families incurred relatively modest expenses, others faced very high costs, particularly for legal services.

The research found that the financial burden associated with family violence in the context of family separation extended well beyond legal costs.

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