NEW LEGISLATION - Victims of Family Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Act 2025

New measures to better protect people experiencing litigation abuse in family proceedings take effect from 17th February 2026

The Victims of Family Violence (Strengthening Legal Protections) Legislation Act 2025 improves the Family Court’s ability to respond to patterns of behaviour where legal processes are used to harass, control or maintain unwanted contact with another party. The court is now required to consider conduct occurring both within and outside family proceedings when determining whether litigation abuse has taken place.

From today, if the court is satisfied that litigation abuse has occurred, it may issue an order requiring the person responsible to obtain the court’s approval before taking further steps in new or existing proceedings. These orders will generally apply for up to three years, with the option of extending to five years in exceptional circumstances.

The changes are intended to make protections more accessible for victims, particularly in cases involving family violence.

The reforms form part of the Government’s wider programme to improve safety and reduce harm, including work aimed at reducing the number of victims of violent crime.

Here for more information

Minister of Justice Media Release