Family violence occurs when a family member intentionally uses violence, threats, coercion or intimidation to control or manipulate another family member, partner, or former partner.
Campaigns and projects Family violence prevention Multicultural community support Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities Support for men Support for women, children and young people Supports for people with disabilities What is family violence
It happens in all kinds of families or intimate relationships and across all ages, communities and cultures. Family violence is against the law.
To find support services, click on the links to the left of this page.
Forms of family violence
| Physical abuse | Choking, hitting, burning, hair pulling, stalking, forced or arranged marriage. |
| Sexual abuse | Unwanted touching or kissing, rape, sexual comments or actions, and forced sex within marriage. |
| Verbal abuse | Put downs, mocking or shaming, name calling, constant negative comments. Threatening to ‘out’ a partner or family member to their family, workplace or friends. |
| Emotional abuse | Bullying, ignoring, making someone feel guilty, put-downs, blaming, keeping someone away from their friends, family, and/or social life, and telling someone what to wear, eat, do, or where to go. Using a person’s sexuality or gender identity to assert power and control (also known homophobia, biphobia, transphobia or discrimination against people with intersex variations). |
| Financial abuse | Not sharing costs, putting debt in the victims’ name, controlling the money, stopping someone from working. |
| Technology abuse | Sending abusive, threatening or constant text messages, sharing photos without consent, spying on or stalking online, or tracking their phone calls or where they are. |
| Spiritual abuse | Stopping someone from practicing their religion, making fun of their beliefs, using religion as an excuse for violence. |
The resources and information linked to this site were developed in partnership with G21 Health Alliance Prevention of Violence Against Women and using messages and information that has been created and edited by Cultura community members.
1800RESPECT
inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence
Kids Helpline
Municipal Association of Victoria - Preventing Violence Against Women Informati…
No To Violence: Mens Referral Line
Safe and Equal
The Orange Door
The Sexual Assault Family Violence Centre
Women's Information and Referral Exchange (WIRE)
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