Understanding Systems Abuse
Published on 25th of August 2025
When people experiencing domestic and family violence seek help, they often turn to systems meant to support and protect them, such as the legal, health, child protection, and social service sectors. But what happens when these very systems cause further harm? Systems abuse occurs when institutional responses -whether through policy, practice, or inaction - contribute to the ongoing trauma, disempowerment, or re-victimisation of those seeking safety.
Understanding how systems abuse occurs is essential for frontline workers dedicated to creating a safer community.
What is Systems Abuse?
Systems abuse involves the intentional misuse of legal and government systems - such as the courts, Child Support Agency, Centrelink, and other administrative services - to control, intimidate, or punish a partner before, during, or after separation.
What’s particularly harmful is that systems meant to protect and support people are weaponised to do the opposite, extending abuse under the guise of bureaucracy. Those who have experienced systems abuse may face relentless legal actions, false reports, or manipulation of child support systems, which drain their finances, harm their mental health, and prolong their exposure to the perpetrator.
So, what does Systems Abuse look like?
Systems abuse comes in many forms; however it most commonly looks like:
- Trying to Have a Partner Falsely Arrested
Making false accusations or exaggerating claims to involve police or the criminal justice system as a tool of intimidation. - Taking Unnecessary Legal Action Against a Partner
Repeated, unnecessary, or drawn-out legal proceedings designed to drain an individual’s financial resources and keep them tied up in court processes. - Making False Reports About Children
Alleging neglect or abuse of children to trigger child protection investigations and further traumatise or isolate someone. - Applying for Unnecessary Intervention Orders
Applying for protection orders against a partner without genuine cause, to control where they can go or who they can see.
Why Is This So Important?
Systems abuse is a powerful form of coercive control that is often invisible, hidden behind paperwork and court processes. It can leave people feeling helpless and financially or emotionally broken. Recognising systems abuse and designing safer systems are crucial steps towards preventing this form of manipulation and protecting the integrity of supports that people rely on.
National Action
Following the National Cabinet meeting on 6 September 2024, the Australian Government announced an audit of key Commonwealth systems to identify where they are being weaponised by those who exert Systems Abuse over their Partners. The aim is to stamp out opportunities for systems abuse and ensure that government systems cannot be manipulated to further harm someone.
The audit is focused on:
- Reviewing government systems such as child support, social security, and tax
- Incorporating feedback from those affected, First Nations communities, and system reform experts
- Applying “safety by design” principles to prevent systems from being misused in the future
This work is already underway and will build on existing research and reviews, with a focus on identifying the highest-impact reforms to make systems safer for all Australians.
Want to Learn More?
If you work with families, women, or community services, or simply want to deepen your skills in recognising and responding to system abuse, we invite you to apply for our 2-Day Foundations Workshop.
Let’s work together to ensure systems do what they’re meant to do: protect, not harm.
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