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Domestic and family violence

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.

Recognise the signs

Learn about recognising if you or someone you know is experiencing or using abuse in a relationship.

Reach out for support

How to reach out for help if you are experiencing abuse, or to help someone you think may be experiencing abuse or using abuse.

Where to get help

Find support services that help with domestic and family violence.

Community action and campaigns

How can we help to eliminate domestic and family violence and abuse in our communities?

Red Bench Project

The Red Bench project is an initiative of the Red Rose Foundation to raise awareness of domestic and family violence (DFV) and build a permanent reminder that DFV occurs within all communities.