July 23, 2026 — 9:59amLawyers for Stefanie Catalano have lodged an ethical standards complaint against Victoria Police over their treatment of the mother of four after her alleged assault by her millionaire husband, Antony Catalano.Prosecutors representing Victoria Police in the case against the media mogul were notified of the intention to file the complaint earlier this week, with the explosive document lodged late on Thursday.Stefanie and Antony Catalano.InstagramThe complaint relates to an officer involved in the case as well as general police policy and procedure.A source close to Stefanie, but not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed to this masthead that she had, in early June, filed a detailed “statement of no complaint” with investigators over the alleged domestic violence incident at the couple’s luxury St Kilda penthouse in March.The source also confirmed Stefanie would not give evidence in any upcoming court proceeding, which is set to resume in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in October.Catalano, 59, is facing eight criminal charges including making threats to kill and false imprisonment.Police allege that Antony Catalano swung a clothes iron at his wife’s head, choked and strangled her during the alleged assault. The court heard she was admitted to hospital with a broken tailbone.Stefanie and Antony Catalano at Wimbledon in 2024.InstagramA police summary before the court claims Stefanie Catalano made multiple attempts to escape the assault, before flagging down a passing car outside the $30 million property for help.The court heard parts of the incident were captured on closed-circuit television cameras from inside parts of the apartment, as well as the hallway and foyer of the building, which will now prove vital to the police case.“It shows the victim run away from the accused, exit the apartment and run toward the elevator,” police told the court at Catalano’s bail hearing.“He reaches her, grabs her, pushing her by the neck and dragging her back into the apartment.”The glamorous and high-profile couple had previously been separated but reunited early this year before the alleged assault occurred.After the criminal charges and her release from hospital, Stefanie flew back to Byron Bay while Antony said he was “struggling with significant mental health and substance abuse issues” and entered a suburban Melbourne rehabilitation facility.“I am deeply ashamed and humiliated. I know that my actions have caused hurt and concern for others, including the woman involved, my family, friends, colleagues and the many people connected to the businesses I have been privileged to lead,” he said in a statement at the time.In June, Catalano’s bail conditions were altered to allow him to visit his wife and their four children. It saw the couple once again reconcile their marriage and undergo counselling.Since leaving that clinic, Catalano has appeared before the court only by video link, with a hearing earlier this month told discussions between lawyers and police were ongoing.Antony and Stefanie Catalano in 2023.InstagramCatalano also owns a portfolio of residential and commercial real estate and hospitality assets in the NSW resort town of Byron Bay, as well as homes elsewhere in Australia and internationally.The entrepreneurial businessman owns the regional and rural digital media empire Australian Community Media 50-50 with billionaire Alex Waislitz.Following the assault, Antony resigned all his corporate directorships in favour of his 35-year-old son, Jordan.Victoria Police confirmed none of the charges against Antony Catalano had been dropped and that the matter would return to court as scheduled.Stefanie Catalano and Antony Catalano were both contacted for comment.Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.More:CourtsAntony CatalanoFor subscribersVictoria PoliceFrom our partners