Stepping Stones: Removing legal barriers for economic equality after family violence

Our 2015 Stepping Stones research report revealed how family violence abusers use the legal and credit systems to continue to victimise and control their former partners. Joint bills and accounts were found to be a major tool of control by perpetrators, with the report finding women are commonly being chased by telecommunications and utility companies for the entire amount of a joint bill or debt after family violence.

Stepping Stones makes 27 recommendations for robust reform to industry practice and the law, in order to end financial hardship following family violence. We are now meeting with government and industry to make these recommendations a reality.

The Stepping Stones project was funded by the Victorian Legal Services Board.