Family violence
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Family violence (also called domestic violence) is the use of violence, threats, force or intimidation to control or manipulate a family member, partner, former partner or other person the perpetrator has a relationship with.
Acts of family violence not only include assault and physical injury, but also sexual assault, threats (direct and indirect), controlling access to money, damaging property, social isolation, emotional and psychological torment and any behaviour which causes a person to live in fear.
A person’s age, gender, sexual identity, cultural background, ability, religion, wealth, status or even location doesn’t matter – anyone can be affected by family violence.
Family violence directly affects one in five Victorian women over the course of their lifetime. It is the leading contributor to preventable death, disability and illness in Victorian women aged 15 to 44 years.
Information in your language
Information in your language about family
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Well-managed anger can be a useful emotion that motivates you to make positive changes.
- Anger - tips to resolve arguments
There are many people you can talk to who can help you overcome feelings of wanting to lash out.
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Untreated behavioural disorders in children may mean they grow up to be dysfunctional adults.
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Children with untreated conduct disorder (CD) are at increased risk of problems including substance use, personality disorders and mental illnesses.
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It is normal to disagree with each other from time to time and occasional conflict is part of family life.
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Oppositional defiant disorder is a childhood behavioural problem characterised by constant disobedience and hostility.
- Relationships - dealing with conflict
With the physical and emotional closeness of a partnership, it is inevitable that there is sometimes conflict.
- Children and families at risk due to living circumstances
Certain children are at a higher risk of physical or emotional harm than others due to their living circumstances or home environment.
- Parenting support to help prevent abuse
There is a range of non-government agencies available to help families under stress in caring for their children.
- People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect
People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect can seek help from a range of services specifically designed to help them.
- Relationships, family and mental health
When you, your partner or someone in your family has a mental illness, it can cause stress and worry for everyone.
- Aboriginal health services
The following services provide specialised healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
- Family violence - tips for children and young people
Children and young people are not to blame for violence at home, it's not your fault and it's not a special secret
- Family violence and children
Children exposed to domestic violence are more likely to experience emotional and behavioural problems.
- Family violence explained
Perpetrators often make excuses for their violence, for example, blaming alcohol or stress.
- Family violence services
Victoria has a range of services available to help people at risk of, experiencing or escaping from family violence.
- Mental illness and violence
People with a mental illness who are receiving effective treatment are no more violent than anyone else in the community.
- People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect
People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect can seek help from a range of services specifically designed to help them.
- What is family violence?
Family violence can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic, spiritual or legal abuse. All family violence is illegal and unacceptable.
- Aboriginal health services
The following services provide specialised healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria.
- Family violence services
Victoria has a range of services available to help people at risk of, experiencing or escaping from family violence.
- Parenting support to help prevent abuse
There is a range of non-government agencies available to help families under stress in caring for their children.
- What is family violence?
Family violence can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic, spiritual or legal abuse. All family violence is illegal and unacceptable.
- Who to call in a crisis
Immediate telephone assistance is available for all kinds of emergencies.
- Date rape
Date rape can be especially common among young people who have had little sexual experience and aren’t sure that what they have experienced crosses the line into rape. Many victims of date rape can feel pressure not to report the crime, or feel embarrassed or responsible for the attack.
- People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect
People with a disability who experience violence, abuse or neglect can seek help from a range of services specifically designed to help them.
- Recognising when a child is at risk
Too many children are physically, sexually and emotionally abused and when this happens, it is up to adults to speak up.
- Sexual abuse
If you suspect sexual abuse or have been told about it by a child, you must report it.
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As a parent, you have an important role in helping your child recover from sexual abuse.
- Sexual assault
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual behaviour or activity that makes the victim feel uncomfortable, frightened or threatened.
- Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) can help you change unhelpful or unhealthy habits of thinking, feeling and behaving.
- Family violence - tips for children and young people
Children and young people are not to blame for violence at home, it's not your fault and it's not a special secret
- Trauma and children - newborns to two years
Babies and toddlers can be as affected by trauma as any other family member.
- Trauma and children - two to five years
Preschoolers may not have the words but will show their distress at traumatic events through changes in behaviour and functioning.
- Trauma and children – tips for parents
Tell your child the facts about a distressing or frightening experience using language they can understand.
- Trauma and families
When a family is affected by trauma, everyone will react in a different way.
- Trauma and primary school age children
Children look to their parents or carers to judge how to deal with a crisis.
- Trauma and teenagers - tips for parents
Teenagers may turn to friends rather than parents for support in times of trauma and distress.
- Trauma and teenagers – common reactions
A teenager may be deeply upset by a traumatic event, but not share their feelings with their parents.
Reviewed on: 23-02-2022