Family and domestic violence is a pattern of violence, abuse or intimidation where one person attempts to dominate or control another. This type of abuse can occur between current or former intimate partners, friends, parents, children and other family members. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background.
Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse, it can also include psychological and emotional abuse, which can look like:
- Deciding who you can or cannot see or speak to
- Controlling your access to and how you spend your money
- Controlling your phone and online access
- Blaming you for the problems in the relationship
- Constantly criticising your body, intelligence, or parenting
- Neglecting you and/or your children
Understanding the early warning signs will help you to be able to recognise the different types of family and domestic abuse and violence.
DVassist understands how difficult it can be for a person experiencing domestic violence in a regional area to leave an abusive relationship. DVassist can help you with:
- Finding help locally with our online directory that can connect you with local, as well as state and national domestic violence support services
- Information on domestic and family violence
- A checklist to create a safety plan and pack an escape bag
- Links to counselling services to help you better understand your situation and get support
- Crisis support information
- Emergency accommodation information
- Finding legal and financial advice
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