The Ballarat Magistrates' Court was told Joeby Anthony had a "strained" relationship with the victim.

She had come to Ballarat to visit Anthony's one-year-old son - he had spent the day in Geelong to avoid her, but when he returned to pick him up, he said she was abusive.

He tried to leave with his son, but was followed out the back door.

He slammed the door and she continued to follow, before he kicked her in the stomach - the police summary said there were no serious injuries.

Pleading guilty and representing himself, Anthony, who lives in Creswick, said his son was his "whole world" and he had kicked her "without thinking".

"Long story short, I've been with my partner for eight years, me and one of her parents do not get along," he said.

"We moved here for a fresh start."

Magistrate Julie Grainger said there was never any excuse for "kicking someone in the guts".

"I understand its a strained relationship ... but I do need you to understand there's more to it than what she did to you," she said.

"Instead of a fine, you'll need to complete a positive lifestyle program with the Salvation Army.

"You need to start making better decisions."

Anthony must be of good behaviour for 12 months and complete the eight-week program.

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