Domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence can take many forms – it can include many different types of behaviour including emotional, physical, sexual, spiritual and verbal abuse. One form of domestic violence which is often overlooked is financial abuse.

Many relationships face conflict, but how do we know when the problem is more serious? Read on to understand what constitutes verbal abuse, learn key signs to look for, and how to get help.

Domestic and/or family violence is any abusive behaviour in a family or intimate relationship where one person attempts to gain and maintain control over another. The violence is not limited to physical violence or sexual assault, it can also include emotional abuse and social or financial control.

It’s hard to face up to your own actions. You might want to deny responsibility for your behaviour. Partner blaming is often the most common way to do this.

Domestic violence is the misuse of power to gain control over another person. People who use violence will try to justify it and blame it on other things, yet somebody who is violent to their partner is usually able to choose not to be violent with everyone or anyone else. Violence is a choice. It is not your fault.

The Help is Here campaign provides information on support services available to anyone experiencing domestic and family violence, to help them access the support they need, when they need it.