Scripture & Rights — Australia

What Does God Say About Domestic Violence?

What does the Bible say about domestic violence in Australia? Scripture verses grounded in Australian law — your rights in God's word and the law of the land.

Free 6 Scriptures Australian Law

God's design for relationships is love, respect, and safety — not control or violence. In Australia, every state and territory has strong family violence legislation backed by a federal commitment to safety, giving victims access to protection orders, crisis accommodation, and legal support.

What Scripture Says

Key Bible Verses

Psalm 11:5 (NIV)

“The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.”

God's attitude toward those who "love violence" — those for whom abuse and domination are a pattern of life — is stated with unusual force: he "hates with a passion." This is not mild disapproval. God stands firmly against the person who uses violence against a partner or family member.

Psalm 140:1–2 (NIV)

“Rescue me, LORD, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.”

David prays for rescue from people who use violence as a daily weapon. This prayer — prayed by a king who understood both being hunted and being in danger — is a model for anyone living under threat of domestic violence. Praying for rescue is not a failure of faith. It is honest before God.

Proverbs 3:31 (NIV)

“Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways.”

Scripture explicitly warns against imitating or admiring those who use violence to get what they want. Staying in a relationship with a violent person, over time, can normalise violence. God says: do not choose those ways.

Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”

Jesus quoted this passage to define his own mission (Luke 4:18). "Release from darkness for the prisoners" and "freedom for the captives" applies to every form of captivity — including a home in which a person is trapped by fear and violence. Jesus came to set the captive free. Leaving an abusive relationship is consistent with, not contrary to, the gospel.

Micah 6:8 (NIV)

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Acting justly includes acting justly toward yourself. Walking humbly does not mean accepting violent treatment as deserved or God-ordained. Mercy includes extending mercy to yourself — allowing yourself to seek safety, legal protection, and healing.

Romans 13:10 (NIV)

“Love does no harm to a neighbour. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Love, by Paul's definition, does no harm. Violence is not love. Control is not love. Isolation, threats, and degradation are not love. Calling abusive behaviour "love" is a fundamental category error that contradicts the plain meaning of the New Testament.

Australian Family Violence Law

Every Australian state and territory has family violence legislation. Victims can apply for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO in NSW), Family Violence Intervention Order (VIC), or equivalent in other states, at the Magistrate's Court — police can also apply on your behalf. 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) provides free 24/7 counselling and referrals.

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Your Legal Right in Australia

Australian Family Violence Law

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Bible say anything about domestic violence that applies to Australians?

Yes. Ephesians 5:25 commands husbands to love their wives "as Christ loved the church" — with sacrifice, not control. The Bible never endorses violence or coercion within a relationship. Australia's family violence laws reinforce this principle.

How do I get an AVO or protection order in Australia?

You can apply at your local Magistrate's Court or ask the police to apply on your behalf (police often do this when they attend an incident). You can also call 1800RESPECT for guidance on your state's process. Legal aid is free for victims in family violence matters.

What if my abuser threatens to take my children in Australia?

Contact a family lawyer immediately — many offer free initial advice. The Family Court and Federal Circuit Court can issue urgent parenting orders. If you believe your children are in immediate danger, contact police. Your children's safety is the court's paramount concern.

Other Countries

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