Family, Relationships and Feeling Safe
Family and domestic violence doesn’t just affect adults — children and young people can be impacted too, even if they’re not the ones being directly hurt. Seeing or hearing things like yelling, threats, scary behaviour, or one person trying to control another can feel really upsetting, confusing, or frightening. It’s okay to have lots of different feelings about it — like sadness, anger, shame or worry.
Growing up around violence or abuse can make school, friendships, and even your connection to culture or community feel harder. Some young people might even think it’s their fault or feel like they should have done something to stop it, but it’s really important to know – it is never your fault. The person choosing to use violence is always responsible for their actions.
Some young people may also experience abuse in their own relationships. This could look like someone constantly putting you down, pressuring you to do things you’re not comfortable with, being jealous or controlling, stalking, or checking up on you all the time through social media. These things are not okay. Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and listened to in a relationship.
If something doesn’t feel right — at home, with a partner, or with someone else in your life — you are not alone. There are people and places that can help. Support is available that is safe, private, respectful and understands different cultures and communities.
Support for Children and Young People (General & Youth-Specific)
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 (24/7)
Free, confidential counselling for children and young people aged 5–25.
https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Phone, webchat, and email support available.
headspace
headspace offers counselling and information about relationships, family issues, and safety.
https://headspace.org.au/
In-person, online and phone services.
DVassist (if you are over 15)
1800 080 083 or use our webchat
Anonymous, confidential, free counselling
https://dvassist.org.au/
The Line
A respectful relationships education and support site for young people aged 12–25. Covers dating violence, consent, gender, and boundaries.
https://www.theline.org.au/
ReachOut
Online self-help tools, stories and forums for young people facing tough times, including abuse at home or in relationships.
https://au.reachout.com/
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Supports
13YARN
13 92 76 (24/7)
A crisis helpline run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or need a yarn.
https://www.13yarn.org.au/
Additional Support Options
1800RESPECT
1800 737 732 (24/7)
National domestic and family violence support service for people of all ages. Culturally and age-appropriate options available.
https://1800respect.org.au/
Child Protection Services
Each state or territory has a service to report child abuse or neglect. If a child is in danger, contact your local authority or police on 000.