Domestic and family violence
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What is domestic and family violence?
Domestic and family violence is when one person in a relationship uses violence or abuse to control the other person. Domestic and family violence is usually an ongoing pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling a partner through fear.
Domestic and family violence can happen to anyone. It happens:
- in every community
- in all cultures
- to young and old
- to wealthy and poor
- to men and women.
If you are experiencing abuse or violence it is not your fault. It is the abuser who is responsible.
In Australia:
- 1 in 4 women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a current or former partner.
- The equivalent of one woman per week is murdered by a partner or former partner.
- Almost 10 women a day are hospitalised with injuries inflicted by a partner or former partner.
- 1 in 20 men have experienced domestic violence.