Advice needed for O/S friend

[Pedestriana]

Currently in a relationship seriously breaking down. Ex-H in same country, not sure what terms they're on. STBX-H verbally abusive, seems to be gaslighting. 4 kids, all school age. They own their home, he won't leave. Is violent but not physically so (yet).
Can anyone offer any advice on what she can do. Can she change locks? Can she get police to remove him from the home?

[Pedestriana]

Nobody?

[PeppermintCrayon]

Hard to advise without knowing what country they are in...

[Pedestriana]

Oh, sorry - didn't realise I'd missed it. They're in Australia. Friend is Brit by birth.

[goddessofsmallthings]

If the house is joint names it's highly unlikely that simply changing the locks will enable her to keep him out.

Tell your friend to make contact with www.wlsa.org.au/ and to call the police immediately if her h becomes violent and that includes making threats to harm.

[Pedestriana]

Thanks, I will pass that information on. I don't know whether friend intends to stay in Aus. or return to UK where there are family and friends but presumably STBXH can argue that he has some parental responsibilities/rights (though not currently acting accordingly, I gather). Can he stop her leaving the country?

[pocketsaviour]

Depending on their visa and resident status, then yes he can stop her leaving the country, as Australia is a signatory to the Hague convention.

If the kids were born there then he definitely can.

[Pedestriana]

Thankyou Pocket - I know not all kids were born there, and not all his, some are Ex-H's. Difficult situation all round.