Domestic violence, or abuse, refers to a situation where one partner in a relationship, or a family member, is using violent and/or abusive behaviours in order to control and dominate another.
Domestic violence does not take the form of a single incident. It is ongoing behaviour that gradually undermines the victim’s confidence and ability to leave the violent person. The severity and frequency of violence often escalate over time. (Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria, 2021)
When you make a report, you will be contacted by a first responder or welfare advisor who can advise on the appropriate support services available to you and any next steps, should you wish to take. All reports are made in the strictest confidence.
You can make a report on behalf of yourself, someone else or anonymously.
Counselling
Getting help
Additional resources
Support for people who are experiencing domestic and family violence
On a temporary visa | Find out how the Australian Red Cross Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Financial Assistance program may be able to assist you.
Australian citizens or permanent visa holders | You may be eligible for support through the Australian Government’s Escaping Violence Payment. Visit the Uniting Care website to check your eligibility.
Recognising domestic violence and abuse
Physical assault is the most identifiable form of domestic abuse and occurs when one person in the family or relationship uses force with the intent to injure, control or intimidate, but there are other types of abuse that are equally as unacceptable:
- Sexual abuse: coercive or unwanted sexual activity
- Financial abuse: controlling access to money
- Emotional abuse: undermining behaviour that reduces self-esteem and confidence
- Social abuse: behaviour that aims to isolate people from family, friends and other support networks
- Spiritual abuse: preventing someone from having their own opinions on or practising religion, cultural beliefs and values.
Warning signs
Here are some signs to look for if you are concerned that your relationship may be abusive:
- They accuse you of being unfaithful or of flirting.
- They isolate you from family and friends, often by behaving rudely to them.
- They push, shove, hit or grab you, or make you have sex or do things you don’t want to do.
- They harm you, your family members or your pets.
- They check on you all the time to see where you are, what you’re doing and who you’re with.
- They try to control where you go and who you see and get angry if you don’t do what they say.
- They constantly send text messages and want to know what you are doing every moment of the day.
- They put you down, either publicly or privately, by attacking your intelligence, appearance, opinions, mental health or capabilities.
- They constantly compare you unfavourably to others.
- They blame you for all the problems in your relationship, and for their violent outbursts.
- They say things like, ‘No one else will want you.’
- They yell or sulk, and deliberately break things that you value.
- They threaten to use violence against you, your family, friends or a pet.