Evidence for a family law system that keeps women and children safe
Jess Hill’s Fellowship (the Fellowship) at UTS brings a decade of frontline reporting on gendered violence together with rigorous, independent research – investigating how Australia’s family law reforms are working in practice and what still needs to change.
The Fellowship
The Fellowship, made possible by the support of the Wilson Foundation in partnership with the UTS Business School and the UTS Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, focuses on uncovering global and local insights into family violence prevention.
Drawing on extensive consultation with government, community and industry stakeholders, the Fellowship explores the most effective approaches to preventing family violence, responding to coercive control and improving outcomes within the family law system.
A key area of focus is understanding how recent legislative reforms, including changes to the Family Law Act, are shaping the experiences of victim-survivors and their children. The research examines what is working, where gaps remain, and how policy and practice can better support safety and justice.
The work looks beyond legislation, to the gaps in practice that need further attention.
Ultimately, the Fellowship seeks to build a stronger evidence base and foster informed dialogue that supports safer outcomes for women and children across Australia.
Ultimately, the Fellowship seeks to build a stronger evidence base and foster informed dialogue that supports safer outcomes for women and children across Australia.
Jess Hill
Industry Professor UTS
| Family law reform | Coercive control | Prevention innovation |
|---|---|---|
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Following extensive consultation, the Fellowship has prioritised the family law system as a critical area for reform, examining how recent amendments to the Family Law Act are shaping outcomes for victim-survivors, particularly children and their caregivers. |
Research into how coercive control is understood, evidenced and responded to across legal and support systems and where practice still lags behind legislation. | Identifying the most high-impact approaches to preventing family violence, drawing on innovations from Australia and comparable jurisdictions abroad. |
Explore Jess Hill’s work, research and public engagement at UTS
Recording: The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP in conversation with Jess Hill and Anne Summers AO
Recording: A future without patriarchal violence
Author Jess Hill joins UTS Business School
Jess Hill Oration 2024: UTS Graduation Ceremony
International Women’s Day 2022
Recording: The cost of domestic violence to women's employment
Recording: Jess Hill in conversation