Family violence

If you are in immediate danger, call 000.

Safe Steps is Victoria’s 24/7 Family Violence Response Centre. You can get in touch with them any time of the day or night, every day of the year, on 1800 015 188 or visit safesteps.org.au.    

If someone is violent or abusing and hurting you or your children, it is not your fault.

It is against the law for anyone to hurt you or any member of your family. Your family includes your spouse, partner, children, carer, parent or in-law.

It is against the law for children to be hit, see or hear violence in the home. They have the right, as adults do, to feel safe in their own home and not live in fear. Exposure to violence can cause long-term harm to children.

Family violence takes many forms and it occurs across all social groups in the community. While physical violence may be the most visible form, other forms of violence and abuse can be equally harmful. Women and children are most commonly the victims of family violence.

Types of family violence 

• Controlling behaviours such as deciding who you can see or what you do.
• Stalking behaviours such as following you or monitoring your online activity.
• Verbal abuse such as put downs, threats and intimidation.
• Physical assault such as pushing, slapping, punching, choking.
• Sexual assault such as manipulating or forcing you to do sexual things, even if you are married.
• Emotional abuse such as lowering your self-esteem.
• Social abuse such as isolating you from family and friends.
• Economic abuse such as controlling access to money.
• Spiritual abuse such as preventing you from practising your spiritual beliefs.
• Threats to harm you, your children or pets.
• Threats or actually self-harming and saying you are responsible.

Support

The organisations below can provide help to people experiencing family violence.