I need help
If you’re concerned
about Yourself.
Domestic & Family Violence (DFV) doesn't always look the way we expect. It can be hard to name, hard to see, and even harder to talk about. Domestic & Family Violence often involves a pattern of coercive control – behaviours used to dominate, isolate, intimidate, or undermine someone over time. Whether you're concerned about yourself or someone you care about, understanding what to look for is a powerful first step.
Do you need help now?
If you are in immediate danger please call the police on 000
It might be Domestic & Family Violence if you are experiencing:
- Feel afraid of your partner's reactions, or find yourself changing your behaviour to avoid upsetting them.
- Feel controlled - over your money, your movements, your relationships, or your decisions.
- Have been isolated from friends, family, or support networks over time.
- Feel confused, ashamed, or like you're "going crazy" - this may be part of a pattern to undermine your confidence or sense of reality.
- Experience threats, humiliation, put-downs, or behaviours that have worn down your confidence.
- Feel like you need permission to do ordinary, everyday things.
- Have experienced physical harm, intimidation, damage to property, or threats of violence.
- Have been pressured, coerced, or made to feel unsafe around sexual activity.
- Have your visa status, cultural identity, parenting, or access to children used against you.
Types of Abuse
Domestic & Family Violence (DFV) is rarely just one thing. It often involves a pattern of behaviours across multiple forms of abuse — and it doesn't have to be physical to be serious.
Threats, humiliation, put-downs, and mind games used to undermine confidence and maintain control.
Controlling access to money, preventing someone from working, or accumulating debt in their name without consent.
A pattern of behaviours including; surveillance, isolation, and intimidation designed to limit freedom and independence.
Using technology to monitor, track, harass, or humiliate including; phones, social media, and location tracking.
Persistently following, watching, or contacting someone to create fear, online or in person.
Any use of physical force, including hitting, pushing, restraining, or denying access to medical care.
Any sexual act or behaviour that occurs without free, ongoing, and informed consent.
Controlling decisions about pregnancy, contraception, or reproductive health without consent.
Using faith, cultural background, or community beliefs to justify control, shame or isolation.
Exploiting a partner's lack of permanent residency or citizenship to exert power and control within a family-like relationship.
A form of emotional abuse that manipulates someone into questioning their own thoughts, memories, and sanity.
Why Abuse Isn't Always Visible
Abuse is often invisible and that invisibility is intentional. If any of the below feels familiar for yourself or someone you care about, you don't have to figure it out alone. Support is available, and reaching out is always a worthy next step.
01.
Perpetrators frequently appear warm, calm, and well-liked to others, making it harder for people to be believed.
02.
Many people experiencing DFV conceal what is happening out of shame, fear, or a desire to protect their family.
03.
Coercive control, emotional abuse, and financial abuse leave no physical trace, but their impact is profound and lasting.
04.
Isolation and cultural, religious, or community pressures can make speaking up extremely difficult, leaving people with very few safe connections or places to turn.
If you need help now
If you are in immediate danger,
please contact the Police on 000.
Our Process: What to expect when you reach out
Taking steps to reach out for support takes courage - and we want you to feel confident about what can happen from here. When you contact us, you will be met with understanding, respect, and care. Here's what you can expect when you reach out to us.
Step 1
Reach out in a way that feels safest for you.
Step 2
Speak with one of our trained practitioners.
Step 3
Explore support & next steps, at your pace.
Information That Protects and Empowers
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, we're here to help. We connect you with trusted crisis contacts, support services, and the information you need to understand your options and take your next step safely.
Additional Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, support is available. Explore trusted services offering counselling, accommodation, legal guidance and more.
Educational Content
Domestic and family violence can affect anyone. It does not discriminate by age, background, culture, or circumstance. If you are looking for information - whether for yourself, someone you care about, or simply to understand more — you have come to the right place.