Domestic violence is any form of abuse or violence that takes place in a marriage or other intimate relationship. Domestic violence, which can occur in relationships or between ex-spouses or partners, is frequently used as a synonym for intimate partner violence, which is committed by one of the people in an intimate relationship against the other. In its broadest definition, domestic violence also includes acts of aggression directed toward young people, elderly people, or parents. It can take on a variety of shapes, such as sexual, physical, verbal, emotional, economic, or religious abuse. It can take many different forms, from subtly manipulative behavior to marital rape and other severe physical assaults like choking.

There are many reasons why victims don’t report domestic and family violence including:

• fear of more violence
  feelings of shame
  thinking that they will not be believed
  fear of being left homeless or with no financial security
  being isolated from children, family and friends
  loss of residence visa if on spouse visa
  For more information about domestic and family violence

If you are in immediate danger, call 000 for Police and Ambulance help if you are in immediate danger.

1800RESPECT
1800 737 732

This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Individuals can also access local support services and search the internet using Daisy, a free app developed by 1800RESPECT that protects user privacy.