This is the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s Final Report on the Crimes (Family Violence) Act 1987. The Act had not been comprehensively reviewed since its inception and attitudes towards family violence have changed substantially since 1987. In this report the Commission has examined the dynamics of family violence and its many forms as the foundation of our recommendations about the purposes and principles of family violence legislation. This report makes recommendations on all aspects of the justice system and family violence and is based on research about family violence, the law, and the processes and procedures of Victoria Police and the Magistrates’ Court.

What does Victorian law say about homicide committed in self-defence? Whether it is men or women who kill in domestic homicides, it is usually the result of domestic violence. While women are more likely to kill to save their own lives, men are more likely to kill out of jealousy and control. It is imperative that homicide law addresses this social reality. On this page you will find the background to the project as well as the final report on Defences to Homicide.