Domestic and Family Violence

What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and family violence is any violence that happens between family members. This can include violence between current or former partners, spouses, a parent and a child, or siblings. Sometimes it is called partner violence.

Domestic and family violence is a serious problem because it causes harm and fear. Understanding it is important to protect yourself and others. By knowing your rights and seeking support, you can help end this violence and ensure safety for everyone.

In Australia domestic and family violence is against the law:

• You have the right to live without fear and violence.
• Domestic and family violence is never your fault.
• Help is available, and you are not alone.

Domestic and family violence is a repeated pattern of behavior used to control another person in the family or intimate relationship. It makes the victim feel afraid for their safety or the safety of others.

Using violence, threats, or controlling someone is a choice. Choosing violence is never okay. There is help available to stop using violence.

Who Can Be Affected?

Domestic and family violence can happen in any type of relationship, not just between partners or spouses. It can happen in:

• Intimate relationships between people of any gender
• Parent or stepparent-to-child relationships
• Carers abusing people with disabilities
• Children abusing their parents or other family members
• Kinship relationships
• Extended family members

Forms of Domestic and Family Violence

Domestic and family violence has many forms. Often, victims experience more than one type of abuse at the same time. Forms of abuse include:

• Technology-facilitated abuse
• Coercive control
• Financial abuse
• Sexual violence
• Psychological violence
• Social abuse
• Dowry abuse
• Spiritual abuse
• Domestic servitude
• Elder abuse
• Child abuse
• Physical abuse
• Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C)

Recognising Domestic and Family Violence

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, it can be difficult and sometimes unsafe to talk about it. Some people may not even realise they are experiencing violence.

If it is safe, you can ask them about it and let them know you are worried and want to support them. If they are not ready to talk, let them know you will be there when they are.

Getting Help

If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, call triple zero ‘000’.

If you need help that is not immediate, a domestic, family, and sexual violence service provider can support you. Visit our Support Services Page.

1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 for confidential help and advice.

You can contact the Support for Trafficked People Program on 03 9345 1800 or at national_STPP@redcross.org.au

You can contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or go to the AFP website.

Legal Aid Services: Offer free legal advice and help. They can explain your rights and help you with legal issues. You can contact legal aid in your state or territory here.